St. George, Utah - Our loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend Robert DuVal Bennett, 86, passed away at his home in St. George, Utah from natural causes on Monday, December 12, 2016. He was born September 6, 1930 in Syracuse, Utah to George Henry and Gladys Norma (Ellery) Bennett, the second of eight children. Raised on a farm, he learned at an early age to work hard, a practice he continued throughout his life. He married1 Geraldine "Gerrie" Reese on July 28, 1950 in the Logan LDS Temple, a marriage which was blessed with three daughters and a son. In December of 1950, he served a full-time mission in Minnesota while Gerrie remained at home, working to provide financial support.

After his mission, dad began his career in retail management, moving his young family to four states where he and mom made life-long friends. Their last move in 1993 was to St. George, a place they loved.

Because of his testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation, the things of most worth to our dad were his eternal marriage to Gerrie, his family relationships, and the many ward members, neighbors and friends he delighted to serve.

He found great joy in studying, pondering and teaching the gospel. He served with enthusiasm in many leadership positions, including bishop, and in his last calling at the time of his death as Teacher's Quorum Advisor.

The last decade of his life he immersed himself in temple service, serving three or four days every week where he found lasting joy and peace.

Over the last several years, he absolutely cherished the individual relationships he nurtured with every grandchild and great-grandchild—whether on the golf course, watching ball games, discussing the gospel or sharing a Diet Coke.

Dad is survived by his children: Deb Bennett, Robin Collett, Kathy and Val Edwards, Judy and Mike Morgan, and Karen and Rob Young; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Jay (Shirley) Bennett, Connie (Rich) Murphy, Dorothy (Glen) Bouy and Ellery (Le Anne) Bennett; sisters-in-law: Diane Bennett and Marilyn Bennett; and brother-in-law, Bill Reese. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gerrie; son, Bob; and brothers: Floyd, Wendell and Scott.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Snow Canyon LDS 13th Ward Chapel, 1610 North Dixie Downs Road, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel.