ennett, Clayton James, M.D.
Feb. 4, 1929 - Nov. 14, 2008
Clayton James Bennett, M.D., 79, Venice, formerly of Rochester, Minn., died Nov. 14, 2008.
Memorial services will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ewing Funeral Home.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Mamie;
sons Clayton J. Bennett III of Frederick, Md., Richard W. Bennett, M.D., (Gerry) of Sandy, Utah; four grandchildren, Amelia Grace Bennett of Frederick, Clayton James Bennett IV of Edmonton, Alberta, Calvin Richard Bennett of New Haven, Conn., and Steven Erik Bennett of Sandy; and a sister, Mary Jane Wendt of Rapid City, S.D. He was predeceased by a sister, Joanne Kuhr of Bennett, Neb. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.
Clayton was born Feb. 4, 1929, in Oak Creek in the mountains of Colorado. He graduated from high school in Yuma, Colo. and received his B.A. degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his M.D. degree from the University of Colorado in Denver. He interned at Ohio Valley General Hospital in Wheeling W.Va. He then practiced medicine with his father in Yuma, which was interrupted by his being drafted into the Navy under the Doctor Draft at the end of the Korean War.
Clayton served for 8 years in the Navy, and retired as a Medical Corps Lieutenant in 1958. His interest in the Navy was lifelong. He was a lifetime member of the U.S. Naval Institute.
Clayton belonged to many veterans organizations including the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans Association, and the Disabled Veterans of America. He also belonged to many medical organizations including the American Academy of Family Practice, Minnesota Academy of Family Practice, the American Medical Association, and the Minnesota State Medical Association.
Clayton lived in Pennsylvania, California, Maryland and Kentucky before settling in Rochester. He joined the Olmsted Medical Center, where he enjoyed practicing family medicine for 25 years. Dr. Bennett was devoted to his patients and will be missed by many.
Clayton had a farm in Oronoco Township, Minn., on the banks of the Zumbro River, where many fond memories were created over the years. He moved to Venice in 1986 as a seasonal resident. He became a permanent resident in 2004.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.
Published by Herald Tribune on Nov. 17, 2008.
