Ivan Michael “Mike” Bennett, 81, of Wentzville, MO, formerly of Greenville, MO, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023. 

Born September 23, 1942, in Poplar Bluff, MO, Mike was the oldest of five sons born to the late Ivan L. and Mary K. (Rhodes) Bennett.  

Upon his graduation from Ritenour High School in 1960, Mike joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served as a member of the Strategic Air Command. Mike made lifelong friends during his time in service and had continued contact with his Air Force brothers his entire life. He had hundreds of Air Force stories and loved visiting and swapping tales with other veterans. 

On January 8, 1966, Mike married Phyllis Deckelman in Hazelwood, MO.   

In 1977, Mike graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and had a long career as a community organizer and Head Start Director. As a National Head Start Board member and President, Mike was a dedicated advocate for the nation’s most vulnerable families, and a fierce supporter of early childhood education. He was especially proud of the work he did to bring educational opportunity, food, home improvements, healthcare, jobs and other social supports to the families of South Central and Southeast Missouri. Those who knew him, know that Mike left his home in Greenville each morning, tirelessly traveling the state and nation to help meet the needs of Missouri’s youngest residents.   

Mike was an avid fisherman who enjoyed bending tips, rippin’ lips and spending time on the water. He loved raising beagles and spent many great weekends rabbit hunting with his son. Along with outdoor pursuits, he had a lifelong love of movies and was famous within his family for having the worst taste in films. He also really enjoyed reading, especially writers like Wilber Smith, Clive Cussler and more recently he enjoyed meeting his favorite author CJ Boxx.  Mike enjoyed politics, government and foreign policy. Sunday morning political shows had nothing on the weekly political debates around the Bennett family table. Time spent discussing the finer points of policy with his son and daughter was always time treasured. Family, friends and community members knew Mike was always ready to talk politics. 

Mike is survived by his wife Phyllis, son Phillip, daughter Jamie, and three beloved grandchildren: James, Charlie and Sarah Bennett. Brothers Fred (Diana) Bennett, Pat (Lockianna) Bennett, special cousin Tom (Kathleen) Vogel and the Jerry Burlingame family.  Mike is also survived by many dear nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard and John Perry Bennett.   

Mike will be interred with full military honors during a private family ceremony at:

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

In lieu of donations or flowers, the family asks that you engage a veteran in conversation and thank them for their service.