Owen Dale Bennett

Our beloved father, brother, uncle and friend to many, Owen Dale Bennett, excitedly, we are sure, joined his Father in Heaven on July 30, 2023.  We are also sure that his beloved wife, JoAnn, met him at the gates with open arms.

Owen was born October 14, 1938 in Filer, Idaho to his parents Martha and Gordon Bennett.  He was the oldest of 6 children including; Herschel, Laura (Andrews) Nadine (Howe), Harley and Leslie.

The family moved to Buhl in 1940 along Deep Creek. Owen went to school in Buhl and was on the track team all four years of high school.  He ran on the relay team and did field events.  Owen was senior class president when he graduated in 1957.  Owen also joined the National Guard when he was a junior in high school and served for 8 years.  He was a Sargent in Troop K and a specialist 3^rd class in Company G of the 116^th Armored Calvary.  He was honorably discharged in May 1964 as a Sargent HD 3 Class in 1959.

The Bennett family were devout Christians and Owen was a model Christian for not only his own family but everyone that he encountered throughout his life.  Owen asked Jesus to be his savior at 9 and started teaching the Bible at a young age, even if many thought he was too young to know better.  This love of teaching the word was with Owen his entire life and his dedication to handing out bibles turned into a ministry for prisoners.  Many looked to Owen for scripture support when dealing with problems or guidance.  Owen was very concerned of the spiritual well-being of others and many took comfort in that.  He also gave to many in need whether it was food from the garden, meat from their livestock or money, if that is what it took.  He hosted many to the farm and around the family table.

When Owen saw a beautiful young lady named Jo Ann Graham at church he knew that she was the love of his life and they were married in 1958 and were married for 47 years when JoAnn passed away at the early age of 63.  Owen and JoAnn had 4 children, Don, Tim, Nancy and Steve.  In 1966, he started working for John Holcomb on a farm between Kimberly and Twin Falls.  Owen eventually bought the farm that they lived and worked on until they retired.  Owen grew corn, alfalfa, barley, wheat, beets and beans.  The beans were sold to larger companies for seed.  Owen received awards for outstanding crops from the Northrop King Seed Company which later became Sun Seed Company.  He was always among the top 5 producers every year.  They family also raised beef and dairy cows along with goats and chickens.  After retirement Owen and JoAnn sold the farm and moved into Twin Falls.

There are many things that you could say about Owen but the things that stand out to his family are:  that he loved the Lord and his family.  Even though Owen was strict and sometimes stern, he had a knack for funny one-liners.

Owen was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Gordon Bennett, and his beloved wife, JoAnn and his sister, Laura. 

Owen is survived by his children, Don (Karen) Bennett, Tim (Cheryl) Bennett, Nancy {Porter) and Steve (Leanne) Bennett.  His grandchildren, Amber Dobkins, Jeremiah Bennett, Micah Bennett, Johnnica Wren, Bodie Bennett, Payson Bennett, Josh Porter and Jamie Porter, and Erika Bennett.  Owen also has 30 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Gideon International at gideons.org