David R. Bennett, age 69, of Joplin, MO., passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018, at Freeman West Hospital following an illness.

David was born on November 19, 1948, in Purdy, MO., the son of the late George and Helen (Linebarger) Bennett. David was always expanding his education; he had received degrees from Southwest Baptist University and Drury University. After teaching at SBU, he began his career with Owens Corning Fiberglass and had been transferred with the company several times. In 1983, he moved to Joplin to work for W.R. Grace until the plant ceased operation. He then took a position with Able Body and later, began his 26 year career at Tri-State Motor Transit. David was the Executive Vice President of Tri-State Motor Transit in Joplin from 1991 to 2016, when the company changed ownership. Most recently, he became President of Wilcox Secured Trucking based in Pocatello, ID. David was a member of First Baptist Church of Joplin where he served as a Deacon. He was Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. Nuclear Council, as well as serving as an advisor on several Senate sub-committees regarding shipment of radioactive materials. David served for several years on the Board of Trustees for Southwest Baptist University, was a charter member of the Christian Business Men’s Association, and a member of the First Baptist Church hand bell choir. David loved to sing and entertain with his guitar and piano. He loved fly fishing at Roaring River, and spending all his time with his family.

He married Kathy Kissinger on October 5, 1991, at First Baptist Church in Joplin. She survives. Additional survivors include his son, John Bennett of Kansas City, MO, children Marley and Samuel Bennett; daughter, Sarah Truitt and her husband Nathan of Osceola, IA, children Parker and Carly Truitt; Jennifer Wilkins and her husband Lonnie of Joplin, children Jeffery Flener, Jessica Flener, and Bryceton Wilkins, all of Joplin, and Alison Parker of Joplin, children Darian and Dylan Parker, also of Joplin. David is also survived by his only sister, Nancey Gillogly of Sarcoxie, MO.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, at the First Baptist Church of Joplin with Pastor Jamie Tickel and Reverend Tim Sumners officiating, and burial immediately following at the Purdy Cemetery, Purdy, MO. The funeral processional will be under the direction of Bennett- Wormington Mortuary and family and friends in the Monett/Purdy area are invited to arrive at the cemetery 12:30 pm. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Mortuary.

The family suggests contributions to Southwest Baptist University in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory

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