HARTFORD, Ky. — Kenneth “Tom” Bennett, 83, of Hartford, passed away Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He was born Oct. 26, 1939, to the late Kenneth “Pud” Bennett and the late Elaine Tanner Bennett.
Tom loved to work and was known for his enterprising spirit. His first entrepreneurial act Purchasing a Sinclair Gas station (on a bet). Eventually purchasing Elaine’s Department Store. His love of aviation led to a cofounder of Bullfrog Aviation. People often recount stories of flights they’d taken with him, his skill and meticulous attention to detail.
His meticulous nature and his love of mechanics led to his lifelong love of tinkering and “investigative engineering” on the fly. He loved a problem, often referring to it as “the fun part”.
He was a voracious reader – books, newspapers, and financial reports; always staying current on financial and political news. Rarely did he read for entertainment, but for his lifetime quest to learn.
His frugality was a source of immense pride and the butt of many jokes over the years. When quiet for an extended period of time, he was usually calculating his gas mileage or the current value of his amassed collection of aluminum cans. Nothing was wasted or had a single purpose; a box of junk was merely untapped potential and hours of entertainment.
He hiked the Appalachian Trail, was an avid skier, loved to watch the Cats, enjoyed motorcycles, and was known for his love of pets.
He is survived by two daughters, Dara Bryant (Michael), of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Susan Bennett Solomon (John), of Franklin, Tennessee; two sons, Joe Bennett (Sherry), of Falls of Rough, Kentucky, Maury Thomas Bennett, of Ogden, Utah; two step-children, Jim Nall (Billie), of Rumsey, Kentucky, Teresa Nall Wilkerson (Jeff), of Utica, Kentucky; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one brother, Barry Bennett (Marita), of Jupiter, Florida; and two nephews and one niece.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 p.m. (CT) Sunday, Sept. 24, at Hartford Memorial Funeral Chapel. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Hartford Funeral Chapel with burial in the Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ohio County Public Library (Periodicals section) or Beulah Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery Fund (attn: Regina Hudson) and can be left at the funeral home.
The Hartford Memorial Funeral Chapel is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Tom Bennett.
Share your messages of condolence with the family of Tom Bennett and sign his virtual guestbook by visiting www.hartfordmemorial.com.
