Terry L. Bennett

Terry Bennett, 65, of Loves Park, went to be with the Lord on May 14, 2025. He was born January 6, 1960, the son of Charles and Marlys (Newnham) Bennett. Terry graduated from Stillman Valley High School, the class of 1978. He was employed by Ingersoll as an over the road truck driver and Progressive Steel and Heat Treating. 

Terry was a very easy-going, laid-back guy. He loved going to car shows with his dad and brother, Jim. He enjoyed spending his Saturday mornings eating at Spring Garden with the family and laughing with the waitresses, Thelma, Pam and Tiny. He loved his daughter Kelsey; she was the reason for living. He enjoyed watching movies, Twilight, Harry Potter, and anything Indiana Jones; and TV, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, old westerns, Survivor and Big Brother (which he would call his ex-wife and best friend Cyndi to compare notes because they both watched it). Terry worked for many years at Ingersoll.  He traveled to Mexico, Japan, and China. He also drove a semi over the road and got to see the country. He would bring Kelsey key chains from every state. After a horrific head-on collision, Terry worked as a truck driver for Progressive Steel and Heat Treating, which brought him home every night.

After being diagnosed in 2022 with stage four kidney and lung cancer and a brain tumor, he was forced to retire. During this, he became known as the “cat” guy who would feed and care for the local kitties. Terry had a whole army behind him while he fought this disease.

Terry was still connected to his best friends, Gordon Bailey, Mike Anderson and Scott “Scooter” Brandenburg. Terry loved his family. He helped his niece, Rachel, move many times, he stood up for his other niece, Renee, at her wedding, and he shared plenty of memories with his nephews, Russ and Ryan. He always welcomed a hug or two from his other niece, Krista.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Crusader Clinic, Swedish American Hospital, Loyola Hospital and OSF St. Anthony’s Cancer Center for their care and guidance. We would also like to thank Rachel (Rachelness) McKinney for the huge role that she played, not only in his battle against cancer, but also throughout his life.

Terry is survived by his daughter, Kelsey; daughter-in-law, Shayna Bennett-Horton; mother, Marlys Smith; sisters, Robin (David) Aurand and Sandy (Elmo) Favors; brother, James (Vicky) Bennett; nieces and nephews; lots of cousins and great-nieces and nephews; uncle Doug Bennett and uncle Les (Helen) Newnham; pets, Sweetheart and Boots. Predeceased by brother, Baby Charles; dad, Sam Bennett; and step-father, Jesse Smith.

There is no service planned at this time.

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