Jerry W. Bennett

Jerry W. Bennett

March 19, 1934 - Aug. 26, 2013

COZAD, Nebraska -- Jerry Bennett, age 79, of Cozad, formerly of Lexington, passed away Aug. 26, 2013, at his home in Cozad.

Jerry was born March 19, 1934, to Harold and Hazelle (Broomfield) Bennett in Red Willow County, Nebraska. Jerry began formal education in the Red Willow school, but some of his fondest childhood memories came from attending a one-room schoolhouse with his brothers during the years the family farmed southeast of Curtis. The family then moved to the Lebanon, Nebraska, area, where and Jerry graduated from Lebanon High School in 1952. In January of 1954, Jerry entered the U.S. Army and following his discharge, he attended McCook Junior College.

Jerry met Joan Palmer in the Fall of 1956, and just a few months later, the two were married in Wilsonville. The couple lived in McCook where Jerry worked at various jobs including the McCook Police Department and then the Fire Department. In 1969 Jerry studied broadcast engineering in Texas to prepare for a position at KRVN Radio as the station expanded from 25,000 to 50,000 watts. Jerry asked for extra hours and began to fill in as a weekend announcer. With his strong, distinctive voice and gift for connecting to an audience, Jerry was asked to switch full-time to the broadcast department where he became a popular personality for nearly 25 years, eventually retiring in 1992. After retirement Jerry and Joan traveled the United States in their RV, spending extensive time in Texas. When his health began to decline Jerry and Joan returned to Dawson County, this time to Cozad, to be close to family.

Jerry was gifted with a good sense of humor and ability to communicate well with others. He could have a conversation with anyone and made it his business to share in the diverse interests of his children and grandchildren. Music was always important to Jerry. He sang in a band in his younger years and played a variety of stringed instruments throughout his life. During their time in Texas he became quite skilled at woodcarving. Everyone in he family, and many friends, have something carved especially for them.

Jerry loved being a member of the Cozad Christian Church and took great joy in watching the children's programs, especially when his great-grandson was participating. Jerry was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Lexington and achieved the level of Worshipful Master, which was something that he encouraged his sons to do as well. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Fredericksburg, Texas, and is a past president of the Tri-County Shrine Club. Jerry served as Associate Patron for the Order of the Eastern Star in Cozad at the time of his passing.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond, Kent and Gordon; and a great-grandchild, Sam.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Bennett of Cozad; two sons, Scott (Tammy) Bennett of Raymond; Ed (Joni) Bennett of Lexington; two daughters, Lori Ann (Brent) Scroggin and Gloria (John) Palmer of Cozad; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Kevin) Rummel, Jake Bennett, Tyanne (Drew) Mischnick, Jacque Scroggin, Austin Scroggin and fiancée, Shannon Bornhoft, Jock Scroggin, Adam Hild and fiancée Jodi Last, Bradley (Brittany) Hild, Sarah Hild; seven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Connie Bennett of Lexington, Rosalie (Ben) Desmond of Bartley, June Palmer of Wilsonville; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Memorial services will be Friday, Aug. 30, 2013, at 4 p.m. at the Cozad Christian Church with Pastor Jeremy Jech officiating. Inurnment with military honors will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, prior to service time.

Visitation for memorial book signatures will be on Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.