Edward Russell Bennett, 88, of Sigourney died at 8:11 a.m. June 23, 2026 at his home.
He was born May 22, 1938 in Centerville to Samuel Calvin and Della Delores Russell Bennett. He married Connie Sue Bailey June 11, 1960.
A 1956 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Russ was a resident of Sigourney most of his life. He was a teacher of Industrial Arts and Drivers Education and coached girls basketball and softball at Sigourney High School. He served as principal of Sigourney Junior High School. After receiving his Master’s in Education from Iowa State University, Russ became curriculum director for the area schools and retired in 2008.
He enjoyed golfing, mushroom hunting, pheasant and deer hunting, woodworking and enjoyed his morning rounds to visit friends.
Surviving is his wife, Connie; 2 children, Angie (Paul) Davisson of Cedar Rapids, Kelly Garrett of Iowa City; 8 grandchildren, Curtis Bower, Ashley Bower, Alexander Bower, Kyle Weber, Klynt Weber, Kevin Weber, Carly Bennett, Kelsey Bennett; 22 great grandchildren; 2 half-sisters, Susan (Nick) Basta and Cathy Herzberg, both of North Caroliina.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Bennett, a sister, Alice England; a brother, Richard Bennett; 3 half-brothers, Gary West, Robert West, Roy West; a half-sister, Delores Taylor.
Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Friday, June 26th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27th, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Travis Decker officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family.
