Joyce, Tom, Erin and his beloved grandbabies, I am so saddened by this news. My memories of our times together in friendship as co-workers and also his guidance for our children as teacher and principal. His humor, solid wisdom and his gift of teaching, boy he will be missed. May we all find comfort in the Lord and knowing we will see you again. See you later for now dear David.

Dear Joyce,
Sorry to hear this news about David. He was such a big lovable guy. Looking through your photos shows a loving husband and father with his beautiful family and grandkids. Tom you wrote a touching tribute to honor him. Your dad will be missed.
Please Lord continue to bless and comfort the Bennett family.
Patrick and Jody Dowley

Tearing up knowing how much this must hurt you and your family. We never got to know your dad well. So we love reading all the comments on what a gift he was to so many! The love you shared is rare making it all the more painful to forego until eternity. How precious to read the comment about rising together on the last call. I thrilled. God's promises and the fulfillment certainties are worth exclaiming! God bless your grieving and reminiscing. Love, Robin and Karen

On the one hand my heart is breaking for each one of you; but on the other rejoicing that David is with the Lord he loves and serves. May the Lord continue to shepherd you week by week, day by day, hour by hour, even moment by moment through this valley. Much love and prayer
Jeanie

From Watership Down, in memory of a teacher who dedicated his life to educating, guiding, and aiding 'his rabbits' and who with new, inexhaustible strength follows his Lord to join the highest Owsla of them all:

"One chilly, blustery morning in March, I cannot tell exactly how many springs later, Hazel was dozing and waking in his burrow. He had spent a good deal of time there lately, for he felt the cold and could not seem to smell or run so well as in days gone by. He had been dreaming in a confused way - something about rain and elder bloom - when he woke to realize that there was a rabbit lying quietly beside him - no doubt some young buck who had come to ask his advice. The sentry in the run outside should not really have let him in without asking first. Never mind, thought Hazel. He raised his head and said, 'Do you want to talk to me?'

'Yes, that's what I've come for,' replied the other. 'You know me, don't you?'

'Yes, of course,' said Hazel, hoping he would be able to remember his name in a moment. Then he saw that in the darkness of the burrow the stranger's ears were shining with a faint silver light. 'Yes, my lord,' he said. 'Yes, I know you.'

'You've been feeling tired,' said the stranger, 'but I can do something about that. I've come to ask you whether you'd care to join my Owsla. We shall be glad to have you, and you'll enjoy it. If you're ready, we might go along now.'

They went out past the young sentry, who paid the visitor no attention. The sun was shining, and in spite of the cold there were a few bucks and does at silflay, keeping out of the wind as they nibbled the shoots of spring grass. It seemed to Hazel that he would not be needing his body any more, so he left it lying on the edge of the ditch, but stopped for a moment to watch his rabbits and to try to get used to the extraordinary feeling that strength and speed were flowing inexhaustibly out of him into their sleek young bodies and healthy senses.

'You needn't worry about them,' said his companion. 'They'll be all right - and thousands like them. If you'll come along, I'll show you what I mean.'

He reached the top of the bank in a single, powerful leap. Hazel followed; and together they slipped away, running easily down through the wood, where the first primroses were beginning to bloom.'

We are deeply saddened, and wanted so much for God to say 'Yes' to David's healing. Yet, at the same time we know God's ways are perfect. I like to look for God's fingerprints, for the blessing amidst the trial in times like these. I think of the countless people who heard David's testimony because of this tragedy. I think of the strength and faith exhibited by Joyce, Tom and Erin as a witness to all that know them, including all that provided for David's care. I am encouraged by the post of June 3 where Erin saw facial movement indicating he knew she was there, and experienced joy in listening to the grandchildren' s videos. And in the June 7 post, Joyce received an 'anniversary present' when David mustered every bit of strength he had to partially open his eyes. An answer to her prayer! I believe he was saying, "Farewell."

Finally, I am thankful for God's perfect timing. In His mercy, tenderness and compassion, Tom and Joyce received the call of David's labored breathing as they were already in route to see him. Our loving Savior allowed them to be with David as he passed into eternity. I am confident David was waiting for them to say his final, "Farewell, I will see you again!" Our God is Good!!!

Know that we hold the entire Bennett family in prayer. We hurt with you and we love you.

Hank and Linda

So, so sorry to hear David left us and moved on to glory. He was welcomed with open arms by our Savior, yet leaving behind an immeasurable hole.

Deeply saddened to hear of your Dad's passing but know that precious man is with the Lord! Our hearts break for you, your Mom, Erin, and Pappy's precious grandchildren! You all are in our hearts and prayers. Our Heavenly Father is collecting all the tears in buckets for you and your dear family. May the Lord comfort you with all your precious memories of your Dad and the knowledge you all will see him again! Much love,
Bonnie and Vince Concialdi

Praying for Gods comfort for you! A huge loss for this world but a gain for heaven! He was pure love. His love for history and his country inspired my girls (and my husband and I chaperoning) His love for the kids he taught, lifted them up and helped them to see who they could be. His love for God and his blessed family was steadfast and beautiful. We are so sad to say goodbye- but see you later - is more fitting. We love Mr. Bennett sooooo!!

I am so deeply saddened and shocked to hear of David’s passing.

Tom and Joyce, since David’s fall, I have seen an inner strength in both of you that I can only aspire to. I hope that it will help sustain you as you mourn the loss, Tom, of your dad and Joyce, of your husband. We will all miss him.