St. George, Utah - Lyle Gene Bennett, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home in St. George on January 25, 2014 after a battle with cancer. He was son to Clifford Crosby and Dorothy Carr Bennett, and husband of 54 years to his loving wife, Alice Karen Sandberg. Gene and Karen were married on September 22, 1959 in the St. George Temple. Gene was raised in Lehi, Utah as the ninth of thirteen siblings where he enjoyed being a part of a large family. Gene graduated from Lehi High School in 1956 where he participated in football, track, and as a percussionist in the school band. After high school, Gene went on to college and received multiple degrees. He graduated from Dixie Jr. College with an Associate of Science Degree in 1959, Utah State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1962, University of Utah with a Masters Degree of Education in 1970, and Utah State University with a Doctorate of Education in 1979. He taught school in the Jordan and Washington County School Districts, and the Edith Bowen Lab School while attending Utah State University to receive his Doctorate. Education was important to Gene and he set a good example for his seven children. After many years of teaching, Gene became the Principal of the Santa Clara Elementary in 1987, and later to become the district Administrator of Elementary Education until his retirement in 1993. In addition to his years of Education, Gene served in the National Guard for 27 years alongside many great men. Gene was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings in the Church. He served as Scoutmaster for eight years, Bishop for four years, served two full time missions, and a part-time mission at the Member Location Center with his wife. Gene and Karen also served in the Temple Baptistry and Cafeteria. Gene is survived by his wife, Karen; their seven children: Russell (Debbie) Bennett of North Ogden, Jeannette (Craig) Seegmiller of St. George, Gregory (Michelle) Bennett of South Jordan, Paul (Andrea) Bennett of South Jordan, Robert (Jetta) Bennett of Washington, Bradley Bennett of St. George, and Tony (Natalie) Bennett of St. George; twenty-five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; siblings: Ann Nelson of Salt Lake City, Cheri (Ralph) Atkin of Bloomington, Paul (Laura) Bennett of Grove City, Ohio, Robert (Linnea) Bennett of Orem, and Gregory (Ronda) Bennett of South Jordan. Gene was preceded in death by four sisters: Clifta Varney, Beverly (Julius) Hoggard, Faye (Joseph) Godfrey, and Linda (Paul) Brooks and three brothers: Jesse (Marilyn) Bennett, Richard (Shirley) Bennett and Von (Mary Lou) Bennett. Gene will be sorely missed by his family and wife. He was a great example of charity and service to others. The family of Gene would like to thank the caretakers and Doctors that made his last days as comfortable as possible. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. George LDS 2nd ward Chapel, 166 South Main Street, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chapel. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery