Gerald James Bennett, Jr., 61, Graduate of Crystal Lake High School

Gerald James Bennett, Jr., 61, passed away peacefully Oct. 16, 2013, in Chicago.

Jerry was born May 5, 1952 in Lebanon, Ind.

Jerry graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1971 and served in the U.S. Naval Air Corp from 1972-1974 in Glenview and on the USS Nashville, followed by several years as a reservist.
 
He was a wonderful husband, a talented musician and vocalist, and an animal lover. He played a variety of instruments starting with drums and moving to Latin percussion and harmonica.

Over the years he shared his life with seven dogs and he had a soft spot in his heart for each one. Jerry had a wonderful and witty sense of humor, a creative mind and was a truly unique individual. He will be missed by many. 

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Deborah, father Gerald Bennett Sr., siblings Paulette (Bud) Haas, Rich (Sara Schmelzer) Bennett, and Kathy Bennett, brother-in law Fred (Julie) Schulte, 12 nieces and nephews, and six great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vernell Bennett in June of this year.

Memorial visitation will be 4 to 8 pm, with military honors at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Route 176, Crystal Lake.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to:
Guardian Angel Basset Rescue
108 E Main Street
P.O. Box 288
Dwight, IL 60420
www.bassetrescue.org