Billy Edward Bennett

Bennett, Billy Edward Age 86, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2013 after a brief illness. He was born in Burbank, OK to Oral and Albert C. Bennett, and grew up on the Osage Indian Reservation near Ponca City, OK. During his teen years, he lived in Brownstown, IL, graduating from Brownstown High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy and served his country in the Philippine Islands during WWII. Billy married his high school sweetheart, Lorine Hill on May 10, 1947. Two children blessed their lives; a son Stanley and a daughter Diane. He was a 1951 graduate of the University of Tulsa, receiving a B.S. in Petroleum Technology. After graduation, he worked with Exxon for 15 years as a Petroleum Engineer as well as for other independent oil companies. In 1967 he began teaching high school chemistry at Altamont, IL, during which time he earned his M.A. in Chemistry Education at the University of Missouri, Rolla. In 1974, he came to Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, IL to instruct in the field of petroleum technology. He continued as Petro-Tech director at Colorado Northwest Community College in Rangely, CO. Over these many years, he personally mentored and encouraged hundreds of students and was a firm believer in continuously learning throughout one's lifetime. He stated, "You don't go to school to get smart, you go to school to learn, so you can truly live." In July of 1981, he began working as a manager of a gas research project contracted through Dresser Industries in Houston TX, continuing in this position until his retirement in 1989. He and Lorine settled in Rio Rancho, NM to enjoy retirement square-dancing and traveling throughout the United States. They served as Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta camp-hosts for several years. His other interests outside of teaching and geology were Boy Scouts, Explorers, fly-fishing, camp-outs with his family, and teaching Sunday School for many years. He was a Mason, and a member of the Rio Rancho United Methodist Church. He is survived by his beloved wife Lorine M. Hill of "66 years, 2 months, and 1 day", his son Stan (Rae Lyn) of Jemez Springs, NM; four grandchildren: Kelly Dunham (Trevor) of Severance, CO; Patrick Bennett (Sara) of Alameda, CA; Ryan Bennett (Christina) of Walnut Creek, CA; Erik Jasper (Lindsay) of Aurora, CO; and his sister Donia Reed of Denver area, CO; five great-grandchildren: Xavier, Tristen, Addison, Matthew and Ainsley. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Diane Jasper; two brothers and three sisters. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, 1652 Abrazo Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM. Cremation has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services of Rio Rancho. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Billy's honor to a charity of your choice. Billy was a wonderful man who often said "I am the luckiest man in the world". He valued and loved above all his family and special friends, his country and his God. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192