Orin Henry Bennett

Orin Henry Bennett, 94, passed away at his home in Muncie, Indiana on May 22, 2023.  Orin was born on September 9, 1929, the son of Robert Oliver and Lydia Marie (Bailey) Bennett, in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.   

Orin had a varied work life, ranging from traveling with the carnival to doing construction, including owning his own excavating business.  Orin spent most of his work life operating heavy machinery, especially backhoes.  Shortly before being drafted into the Army, Orin married the love of his life and his best friend, Pauline (Wilson) Bennett in 1950.  Orin went on to serve in the Korean War. 

Orin was known as a laid-back man and a jack of all trades.  He was eager to share his knowledge with his three daughters, as well as his family and friends, even if they didn’t always do it the way he wanted.  He was a big man with a kind and gentle heart.  He worked tirelessly to get the job done, often outpacing those around him.  Well into his later years, Orin could be seen in his yard, tending to flowers, feeding birds, and even digging drainage ditches. 

Orin enjoyed a variety of hobbies over the years, including collecting toys, pedal cars, and Ball jars, and creating stained glass masterpieces.  It was said that he would work on a hobby and then tire of it and move on to the next adventure.  He enjoyed real country music, wearing out tapes of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.”  He was famous for building and tinkering with everything from toys to automobiles and even built his own camper.

Orin leaves behind his wife of seventy-two years, Pauline Bennett, and three daughters Vicky Allen, Cindy Lynch (Mike), and Patti Phillips (Jeff).  In addition, his grandchildren are Robert Allen (Heather), Josiah Denny (Andrea), Erka Smits (Nathan), Amy Thompson (Mike), Rebecca Allen, Joel Phillips (Brooke), and Sara Gulia (TJ), twenty-one great-grandchildren, and special nephew, Jim Wilson and great niece and nephew, Shawna, and Cody, as well as his much-loved dog, Rosie.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Jesse James Allen.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams Street, Muncie.  Friends may call on the family from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at 5:00 PM.  Military honors will be rendered and a private burial will take place at a later date. 

Pauline wanted to let it be known that she will “miss her best friend.” 

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