Clay Bennett

 

Funeral Service for Clay Bennett, 66 of Poteau, Oklahoma will be at 2 PM on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at the Reynolds Center in Poteau, Oklahoma with Mr. Jeff Jenson officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau, Oklahoma under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home. Viewing will be Friday from 9:00am – 8:00pm, and Saturday from 9:00am- 8:00pm with the family greeting friends from 6:00pm- 8:00pm at the funeral home.

Clay was born on October 7, 1955 in Mulberry, Arkansas to Laura (Eddy) Bennett and Cecil W. Bennett and passed away on March 1, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was preceded in death by his Parents; Brothers, Gale and Bryan Bennett; and sister, Karen Hessen.  Clay was born in Mulberry, Arkansas. Then resided with six other brothers & sisters in Alma, where he went to school and graduated in 1973. He met the love of his life Pam Sargent in 1972 and they were married in June 1973. Clay worked for AHC motor company in Alma before accepting a job with Green Light Auto store which is what brought him to Poteau. After moving to Poteau, he knew Poteau was the place they wanted to call home. In order to grow professionally and personally and to provide the best life possible for Pam, and his two children Gwen and Matt he accepted a position at Central National Bank, which began his banking career ending with the Community State Bank. During this time he served as Boy Scout leader, coach of little league football and baseball, Ducks Unlimited, National Turkey Federation and volunteering with youth hunts for the Delta Water Fowl Association, and Master Mason at Masonic Lodge 46 Poteau. He was on the City Council for over twenty three years where he served as President of the council. He was chairman of the Leflore Co. Development Coalition, and member and past President of the Poteau Chamber of Commerce. After 40 years of banking he retired and spent most of his time hunting, fishing, camping, spending time at the cabin, mornings at the glass shop, and Baggs Body  Shop, and spoiling grandkids, which was his favorite past time. Children across the community many times would refer to Clay as Santa Claus, as he was Santa's helper  for many many Christmases in the community. Clay Bennett was the meaning of community, love, trust, faith, and comfort, giving, selflessness, graciousness, and forgiveness. His sense of humor was known by many, but understood by few. 

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to the Clay Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund C/O Community State Bank.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years Pam Bennett; Daughter, Gwen Bennett- Bliss; Son, Matt Bennett; Sister, Judy Williamson; Brothers, Joe Bennett, and Donnie Bennett; Grandchildren, Ty Bennett, Beau Bennett, Sophia Bliss, Blake Bliss, Nora  Bliss; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Robertson, Johnny Baggs, Olen Arnall, Jerry Beale, Jon Pickle, Michael Hesson, Scotty White, and Dan (Hutch) Hutchinson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Harold Nebraski, Connie Shockley, Wimp Webb, Monte Shockley, Jim Sommers, Phillip Zearley, Larry Wright, Jim Holstead, Charlie Covey, Dr. Melinda Scantling N.P., Tami Sprabery, and BJ Noel.

You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen to entrust the care of the services to Evans & Miller Funeral Home.