Star-Telegram 10/19/2008
Walter R. Bennett, Jr.
Walter R. Bennett Jr., a native and lifelong resident of Fort Worth, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, in his 86th year.
Funeral: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Walter will rest in the Williamsburg Room of the funeral home on Monday. Memorials: Gifts in his memory may be made to Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251; or Fort Worth Scottish Rite Hospital, 1100 Henderson, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
Walter was born Dec. 16, 1922, in the Rivercrest home of his late parents, Ethel Evans and Walter R. Bennett Sr. A member of the first graduating class of Arlington Heights High School, he earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering in 1944. He joined the Bennett family in founding and operating Acme Brick Company and developed some very unique and important processes still in use today.
In 1946, he earned a master's degree from Ohio State University and began work as an environmentalist. At that time, little was known about the effects of development on the environment. He was a pioneer in the field and continued his work until the present time. He and his family maintained their home in Rivercrest until he decided to pursue his interest in ranching. He bought property in the area known as Agnes in Parker County and made the ranch a home, which his family shared until his death.
Walter was a lifetime member of the Disciples of Christ and was most recently a member of Central Christian Church. He was a 50-year member of five Masonic bodies in the area, including Denton Lodge 217 AF & AM under whose auspices burial rites will be performed. He was also a member of Moslah Temple Shrine and a life member of Rivercrest Country Club.
His genuine caring and loving life was extended to his wife, his children and other family members. Important occasions were always heralded by the donning of his red "happy" vest and his favorite boots, which he wears today.
In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Simons Bennett. Survivors: His son, Walter Evans Bennett; daughter, Beverly Elizabeth Bennett; sister, Ethel Bennett Rehfeldt; extended-family members and cherished friends.
Many thanks to Find A Grave contributor Tim Hawkins for this information.