The last family owned funeral home in Thurston County.

Jerry Dean Bennett passed away on January 13th at St. Peter Hospital in the presence of family. He was born on December 04, 1939 in Chehalis, WA. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Glen, sisters Helen and June, and Carol, his wife of 32 years.

Jerry attended W.F. West High School and graduated in 1958.  He graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s in education.  He taught in the North Thurston School District until his retirement in 1993.  He was “teacher of the year” more than once and former students often commented that he was “their favorite teacher.”.   In fact, he never stopped teaching, generously sharing his knowledge of the stock market, the ocean and sea life, and geology, or simply sharing words of wisdom for those seeking advice.  

Jerry was an avid fisherman from a young age when he could ride his bike to the river and catch his limit of salmon by noon.  He spoke often of the early morning fishing trips in the freezing cold as an adult.  He enjoyed being on or near the water, whether river, lake, or ocean.  

He is survived by his wife, Eunice, his sons John and Justin, his daughter Melissa, stepsons Erich and Tom, stepdaughters Keleigh and Laura, many grandchildren and nieces and nephews and a long list of friends who will all miss him dearly.