Gary Bennett Sr.

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Gary Duane Bennett Sr., 72, of Walton, passed away on March 22, 2021 at Delaware Valley Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Born on Aug. 22, 1948 in Hancock, he was a son of the late George and Althea (Fredenburg) Bennett.

Gary graduated from Hancock Central School in 1968. Immediately following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1968 to 1972. After his time in the military, Gary began employment at Kraft, here in Walton. He worked there as a supplyman for over 30 years before his retirement.

On Dec. 31, 1997, he married his second wife, Cathy Barnhart, in Walton.

Gary was a member of the Walton American Legion and attended New Hope Community Church. He was an outdoorsman who had a love for hunting, even spending time as a hunter safety class instructor and member of Camp 61 hunting club. Gary was an avid golfer and loved sharing his passion with the grandchildren. He also enjoyed gambling such as playing the slots and was always up for a round of BINGO. Tennessee was a special place to Gary - he absolutely adored the countless trips he and Cathy took there over the last 24 years. Above all, he loved spending time with family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Cathy Bennett; his children Georgia Hall (Tom), Tammy Mullineaux, Gary Duane Bennett Jr. (Kathy Goodrich), Jason Bennett, Robin Davis and Chad Shaw; grandchildren Amber, Derrick, Keenan, Mary, Helena, Jayden, Skylar, Tyesha and Chevy; great-grandchildren Ruby, Skyler, Ava, Kaydance and Rally; brothers George Bennett (Jane) and Lloyd Bennett (Shirley); a sister Carol Peterson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his first wife, Vivian Seward; a sister, Bernadine Drake; and brother-in-law and best friend, Paul Peterson.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. A funeral service will follow at 1 at the funeral home with Pastor Larry Light, officiating. Social distancing guidelines must be met, and face masks are required. A graveside service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at a date to be announced at Walton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or Walton Fire Department and Emergency Squad, 61 West Street, Walton, NY 13856.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message of peace and comfort for Gary’s family, visit his online tribute at www.courtneyfh.com.