Dr. Michael Bennett

Michael W. Bennett, 70, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020.

He was a beloved dentist, friend and devoted family man who will long be remembered for his affable personality and incredible determination. Mike loved life and these past few years fought hard to sustain it. Throughout his life, he faced numerous "against all odds" challenges and did so with true grit, faith in God and an indomitable spirit. He was an inspiration.

Michael was the oldest child born to Wayne and Helen Bennett in Chillicothe, Missouri, on Oct. 8, 1949. He grew up on the family farm and attended first through 12th grade at Breckenridge School, where he participated in sports and music and graduated valedictorian of his class in 1967.

He attended the University of Missouri, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He credited much of his success to the friendship, help and influence of these goal-minded young men. While at Mizzou, Mike "walked on" the MU football team. He quickly earned a starting position as defensive end for Coach Dan Devine and a full-ride football scholarship. Some of the many highlights of his playing years included winning the Big Eight Conference Championship, playing Penn State in the Orange Bowl, and his favorite memory, beating Bear Bryant's Alabama team to win the Gator Bowl. Mike was named All-American, honorable mention; first team All-Conference and was named to the All-Bowl Team. Academically, Mike was tapped in the QEBH National Honorary and named an MU Pacesetter, recognizing MU's top 12 graduates. He received his degree in chemical engineering in 1972.

In 1971, Mike married his college sweetheart, the former Gwen Lampitt. They were blessed with 49 years together. She survives, along with Mike's pride and joy, his children, Gwenda (Shaun) Hawk, Michelle (Eric) Hardesty, Ross (Jocelyn) Bennett and Patricia (Russ II) Mothershead, and 13 cherished grandchildren.

Mike was delighted to welcome each new spouse to the family and had a special relationship with each one. Mike, a man who understood the blessing of being a father, raised his children with a balance of love and discipline, giving them the gift of time and sharing with them his faith in Jesus Christ.

Upon graduation from Mizzou, Mike was signed by the Buffalo Bills. After being placed on injury waiver, Mike focused on dentistry and graduated with honors from University of Missouri School of Dentistry in Kansas City. He chose Cape Girardeau as his "adopted" hometown and began his career as an associate of Dr. G. Keith Deimund. Together with the Jaycees, they established the East Perry County Dental Clinic in Altenburg-Frohna, Missouri. One day a week, for 10 years, Mike served those patients and was grateful to have been a small part of those communities.

In 1977, Mike established Bennett Family Dentistry and soon thereafter renovated and relocated to the original Cape Bible Chapel building at 1200 N. Cape Rock Drive. In 2007, Dr. Ross Bennett joined the practice. Father and son were blessed to work side by side for almost nine years. In 2017, Bennett Family Dentistry was honored to receive the Small Business of the Year awarded by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. Professionally, Mike was blessed to work with wonderful employees. He valued his relationships with colleagues and was committed to the Southeast Missouri District Dental Society. In 2001, he was inducted as a Fellow into the International College of Dentists.

Mike served his Lord and Savior actively at St. Andrew Lutheran Church as an elder and president of the congregation and by holding numerous offices and positions on the Board of Directors. Although Mike was active in Bible study and many aspects of church life, he was not a pious Bible scholar. His was a simple but abiding faith. Following his stroke in 2015, Mike discovered a new way to serve with Jim Hicks (former lay minister), where he was privileged to visit and minister to the homebound members of his church. His favorite Bible verse was Psalm 118:24, "This is the day has the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

To know Mike was to know how he loved music, not as a polished professional, but as his heartfelt outward expression of joy. He played a mean ragtime piano and was an enthusiastic free-style dancer. He faithfully sang in the church choir and often hummed while he worked on patients.

Mike loved coaching because he believed in the values sports can teach. He coached both girls and boys youth sports, rotating between softball, baseball, basketball, soccer and football. He was an avid sports enthusiast, participating, watching and analyzing all athletic endeavors. He, himself, was a fierce competitor. Ever the nice guy off the field, he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He battled the game of golf most of his adult life, never quite attaining the handicap he envisioned, but able to record a hole-in-one, win the Senior Club Championship and share many an afternoon with his daughters, son, sons-in-law and many friends.

Mike was a positive influence everywhere he went. He was an active member of Lions Club International. He held several offices, directed both their March Madness competition and annual golf tournament for many years and enjoyed flipping pancakes every spring. He was recognized by his fellow Lions, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for distinguished service. Mike served on the board at Montgomery Bank and in 2013 was selected to the Prestigious Missouri 100 for service to his Alma Mater, the University of Missouri. He was also a lifetime member of the Executive Council of Cape Girardeau County.

Michael Bennett was a big guy with a big smile and a big heart. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Additional family survivors include sisters, Debra Stout and Ellen (Rob) Robson; stepmother, Jo Bennett; and in-laws, Dr. Randy and Trisha Stahly, Katie Lampitt and Tom and Donna Lampitt. He also leaves a large family of uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins and grandchildren: Harper and Emmeline Hawk, Lily, Elyse and Karis Hardesty, Caroline, Michael, John, Clark and Claire Bennett and Amelia, Michelle and Cilicia Mothershead.

Preceding Michael in death were his parents; grandparents; brother, David (Kay) Bennett; nephew, Bryce Bennett; and brothers-in law, J.D. Stout and Dr. Ed Lampitt.

A special thanks to his doctors, nurses, therapists and caregivers for their expert and compassionate care.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no visitation, but the funeral, with the Rev. John Dehne officiating, will be available at 1 p.m. Saturday through a livestream link online at www.lglomd.org. Memory video will begin at 12:45 p.m. Saturday.

The family requests no flowers. To honor Mike's memory, consider a contribution to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Kanakuk Christian Sports Kamps or Breckenridge High School in Breckenridge, Missouri.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.