Stephen C. Bennett Obituary
Stephen chose to be cremated and buried at Comstock Cemetery. His family will honor his wishes by holding a Celebration of Life at a later date, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that riders honor Stephen's memory by exercising their freedoms responsibly and considering helmet use while riding.
Stephen will be remembered as a caring family man, a Freedom-Loving American, and a friend to many. His legacy of hard work, love, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
Stephen Christopher Bennett, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Freedom-Loving American, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, at the age of 71.
Born on December 13, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Russel and Mary Bennett. Stephen married Carolyn Bennett on July 20, 1974. He spent his life as a devoted family man, deeply cherished by all who knew him.
Survivors include his sister Sandy Befus; his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Bennett; 2 children, David Wood (Sherry Wood) and Jessica Bennett; 4 grandchildren, Johnny Wood, Katherine Leaders (Clayton Gibson), Walter Leaders III (Megan Leaders) and Stephen Hartstuff; 4 great-grandchildren, Austyn Wood, Skylar Wood, Carter Gibson and Reid Leaders, who were his pride and joy.
Stephen had an undeniable love for Harley Davidson motorcycles and embraced the freedoms that come with being a proud American. Whether it was a bike, quad, go-cart, or car, if it had an engine, Stephen was under the hood (or wherever a hood could be found), tinkering until it purred like new. The garage was his second home, and if you couldn't find him there, he was likely out on the road. He loved sharing these experiences with his children and, eventually, through his 30+ years of trucking, with his grandchildren, often taking them on solo trips in his 18-wheeler for cross-country adventures. Stephen prioritized showing them the world through a windshield and a well-oiled engine. He and his wife, Carolyn, even owned and operated Poppy's Express LLC, a family business that allowed him to continue his passion for the open road while creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
In his free time, Stephen enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR races, and helping his neighbors. He was a man of deep faith, always guiding his actions by his belief in God and the importance of living a righteous life. Known for his unwavering principles and his willingness to lend a hand to those in need, Stephen left a lasting impact on those around him.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mary Bennett, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life. He is loved and will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and faithful companion Willow.
