Wendell H. Bennett, 83, passed away on Monday (January 19, 2026) at St. James Hospital in Hornellsville following a lengthy illness.
Wendell was born on September 14, 1942 in Morgantown, WV to Ira E. and Emma (Arthur) Bennett and was raised by his father and step-mother, Mary M. Bennett. He was a 1961 graduate of Morgantown High School and later served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965. On November 14, 1964, in the Andover United Methodist Church parsonage, he married Mary Lou Lehman, who predeceased him on August 4, 2019.
Wendell worked as a lineman for Contel Telephone in Alfred.
Wendell is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Ray) Gavin of Andover; a son, William “Willie” Bennett of Ponca City, OK; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Bennett of Spring Hill, TN; a sister-in-law, Darlene (Mike) Willis of Wayland; seven grandchildren, Samantha Gavin, Mitchell Gavin, Dakota (Brielle) Gavin, Hunter Bennett, Jacob Bennett, Trenton Bennett and Jackie (Morgan) Haslam; four great-grandchildren, Eli Gavin, Charlie Haslam, Henry Haslam and soon to come, Leo Gavin; and several nieces , nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Mark Bennett and a sister, Betty Lou Eddy.
Wendell loved the simple things of life. He loved his family and shared his passion for hunting and fishing with his two sons, creating many great and lasting memories together. He used his ability as a little league baseball coach to further invest in the lives of his sons. Wendell left his comfort zone to pick out his daughter’s wedding dress, a bonding moment with his daughter that remains vivid all these years later. His eyes would light up every Friday with his Burger King date with his great-grandson, Eli.
Wendell loved his friends, many of which he shared decades of experiences with in the Andover Lions Club or his church home, Blessed Sacrament Church. He never met a stranger that he could not strike up a conversation with. There was nothing complicated about Wendell and he was quick to share his dry sense of humor with anyone.
Wendell loved everything West Virginia. Though he lived in Andover these past 60 years, in many ways West Virginia always remained home.
Finally, Wendell loved his wife, Mary Lou. Through 54 years of marriage they hunted together, played cards together, swam at Waneta Lake together and loved life together. He was never quite the same after her passing.
In a word, Wendell was both stern, but gentle; opinionated but kind and talkative but caring. He was a friend to all.
There will be no prior visitation. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Sunday (May 24) at 1:00 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Andover where his ashes will be laid to rest beside his wife. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held immediately following the graveside service at 1:30 p.m. in the Andover Fire Hall.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Wendell’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
