Gerald "Jerry" A. Bennett, 77, died Nov. 12, 2016, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Jan. 18, 1939, in Sterling, to Glen and Rosie (Wampler) Bennett.

Jerry graduated from Nickerson High School in 1957 and attended Hutchinson Community College, Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger days, Jerry was a thrill seeker by doing skydiving and motorcycle racing. Jerry was a farmer and aerial crop sprayer and photographer, and later worked for the Reno County Weed Department.

On Dec. 18, 1964, he married Carolyn Blount Gum in Hutchinson. They shared 51 years of marriage.

Jerry is survived by: wife, Carolyn of the home; daughters, Angie Enlow (David) of Lyons, Darlene Lapree-Medlock (John) of Riverside, Calif., Cindy Barakeh (Sidy Ba) of Columbus, Ohio; son, Brian Bennett of Hutchinson; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Everett L. "Bub" Bennett of Hutchinson; and sister, Anita McCoy-Venette (Paul) of Brighton, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Michael T. "Mike" Bennett.

Cremation has taken place. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with Jerry Fenwick officiating. Family encourages friends to join them following the graveside for a celebration of Jerry's life at Carey Park Homebuilder's Shelter. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jerry's niece, Loranne McNutt Medical Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.