Omer Lee Bennett, son of Clarence Lee Bennett and Della Maude Sherrell Bennett, was born April 22, 1934, near Nebo, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, February 24, 2009, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-four, ten months, and two days. On November 8, 1957, he was united in marriage to Helen Louise Brown, and to this union three daughters and seven sons were born. He was preceded tn death by his parents; a son, Steve Bennett; and two grandsons, Steven Hoffman, and Christopher Bennett. Omer is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Helen, of the home; three daughters, Judy Carmichael, of Springfield, Missouri, Kathy Jewell, of the Dominican Republic, and Teresa Sherrer of Lebanon, Missouri; six sons, Mike, Mark, Tim, Larry, and Terry "Teddy" Bennett, all of Lebanon, Missouri, and Kevin Bennett, of Nixa, Missouri; twenty-two grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. He was born and raised in the Nebo, Missouri community. After he and Helen were married, they made their home near Lebanon and lovingly raised their family. Omer was employed by United Amusement Company in Lebanon for over fifteen years, and then was employed by the City of Lebanon in the utilities department for a few years. He began working as a welder for various boat manufacturing companies, and eventually was employed by Appleby Boats. He later started working as a gunsmith and welder in his own business and also did small engine repair. Omer made his profession of faith in Christ under the ministry of Rev. Jim Sponseller and had attended the Prosperine Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed coon hunting, fishing and working in his garden. One of his favorite hobbies was raising birds and particularly loved canaries, parakeets and finches. He and Helen also owned and operated a greenhouse business called Dilworth Flowers for a few years. His family was always very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Omer was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 27 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial will be in the McBride Cemetery.