Lt. Col. Vernon E. Bennett was born in Water Valley, Texas on December 1, 1916.  He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1942, with a Bachelor�s Degree in petroleum engineering.  That same year, 2nd Lt. Bennett was called to active duty and fought campaigns in England, North Africa and Italy during World War II.  He retired from the Army Reserves as a Lt. Colonel.

On June 4, 1945, he married Fay Alford formerly of Portales, New Mexico following three years of daily letter writing to her from overseas.  He was then stationed in Spokane, Washington before settling in Galveston, Texas.  During his career, He went to MIT for graduate studies in Boston, Massachusetts.  In 1946, he became assistant chief of the soil design section for the U.S. Corp of Engineers, Galveston District and chief since 1950.  After 38 years of federal service he retired in 1978. 

During his years on the island he was a member of First Baptist and West End Baptist churches.  He went to Rosenberg library on a weekly basis, enjoyed writing, painting and restoring antique automobiles.

He was preceded in death by his son Dr. Dan Bennett.  Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Fay Bennett, Grandson Dan Bennett and wife Tenele of Garden Grove, California, daughter Janice and husband Dennis, grandchildren Lane Bethany, Ben, John and Luke Fassetta of Austin, Texas.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 13th , 2007, from 5:00 � 8:00 PM at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, 1201 Tremont with funeral services on Wednesday, February 14th, 2007 at 10:00 AM also at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home.