Robert Bob Bennett

Robert Ernest Bennett, 92, currently residing in Bozeman, formerly of Livingston passed away on, Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 23rd at St. Marys Catholic Church in Livingston. A visitation with family and time for viewing will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. Graveside Committal and Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at The Shane Center Ball Room (South D and Lewis Streets). Bob was born on January 15, 1923 in Three Forks, Montana to E.V. and Mary Ellen (Lane) Bennett. He attended and graduated from Three Forks Schools. Following his schooling he began a career with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Whitehall. He was a telegrapher and freight agent in Whitehall, Deer Lodge, Butte and Livingston before retiring in 1980. Bob served in the United States Navy entering service on May 22, 1944. He served as a telegrapher and earned the rank of Radioman, Third Class having been stationed on the USS Caldwell. He was not able to enter the service as soon as he wanted as he was needed by the railroad to move troops and munition trains. He married the love of his life Geraldine Viola Flanigan on February 10th, 1945 in San Francisco, CA. They shared many working hard years together and raised five children. They were also blessed by many retirement years together in Yuma, AZ; Bob would have been there now given the choice. He served as Exulted Ruler of the Elks Club and was a lifelong member. He was also a member of the Telegraphers Club and spent many hours reminiscing with other member at their yearly picnics. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren. He drove from one end of town to the other delivering rafts for the floats and picking-up the whole gang afterword. Bob is survived by his, children, Bob (Sheila) Bennett, Jr., Mariann Martin, Sheila (Edward) Davies, Frank (Gayle) Bennett and Pat (Tara) Bennett. Grandchildren, Shane Bennett, Sasha Bennett, Jackie (Bennett) Autio, Luke (Julie) Martin, Joe Davies, Bobby Davies, Mary Pat (Dan) Stark, Michael and Annie Davies, Klair (Matt) Black, Kellen (Nicole) Bennett and Quinn (John) Kresbach, Jace, Jesse and Alissa Bennett. Great-grandchildren, Madison, Hudson and Jackson Bennett, Lucia Sealy, Ivan, Sebastian, Gwen, Emmett and Thomas Martin, Drew and Norah Davies, Zaida and Quentin Stark, Oliver Davies, Nolan and Beau Bennett, Malia and Jonas Bennett. Bobs legacy will forever be carried on by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, E.V. Bennett and Mayme Lane; his wife, Gere, sister, Pat Lilly and his beloved grandson Trevor. Bob loved Montana spending his entire life here. He had always said he would never die, and he hasnt, he has just moved on to join mom for eternity. A special thanks to the caregivers at Highgate and Bozeman Deaconess Hospice for their extraordinary, compassionate care of our dad and grandpa. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in Livingston.