Obituaries for March 17, 2009

David Dene Bennett, 55, of John Day, died March 11, 2009, at his home.

His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Church in John Day. Pastor Dan Benson will officiate.

David was born on July 11, 1953, at Burns to Dene and Dani Garrett Bennett. He was a 1971 Burns High School graduate.

He later joined the U.S. Air Force and then became a logger. He liked to hunt with a bow and a rifle as well  as fishing and camping. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He married Valerie Clark on Nov. 29, 1996, at Reno, Nev.

Survivors include his wife, Valerie Bennett of John Day; his sons, David Bennett of La Grande and Shawn Bennett of Bend; daughters, Lisa Moutsanides of John Day, Jennifer Conklin of Bend, Amy Nelson of John Day and Niki Vandetta of Tacoma, Wash.; his mother, Dani Bennett of Bend; two sisters, Debbie Bennett of Bend and Julie Benzen of Burns; two brothers, Benny Daugherty of Burns and Chris Daugherty of Enterprise; and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dene Bennett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mountain Hospital through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.