Clarence V. "Sonny" Bennett

Clarence Victor 'Sonny' Bennett, formerly of Bay City, currently of Bellaire, MI passed away Saturday January 7, 2012 at Charlevoix Area Hospital from injuries sustained in an auto accident, age 82. The son of the late Victor & Vallery (Wanless) Bennett, he was born January 27, 1929 in Bay City. He was a member of the Bellaire United Methodist Church and a former member of the Fraser Road Church of God and also the North Euclid Church of God where he and his wife Edna served as youth leaders for many years. He retired from Bay City Chevrolet in 1991. Clarence was a strong union member belonging to the UAW. He was also active in the Retired UAW Gaylord chapter. As a young man, he asked his father, "What political party should I join?" His father's answer was, "You are a working man. You are a Democrat." Clarence was the former chairperson of the Antrim Democratic Party, and a Democratic State Central Member and also a member of the Bay County Executive Democratic Party. He served for over 20 years as a Trustee for Bangor Township and was very proud of the many township improvements that occurred during his tenure. Clarence was also involved with youth recreation in Bangor Township as a coach and supporter of youth athletics and coached many teams. He was also a supporter of Bangor Public Schools and their athletics. Clarence is survived by his children, Dan (Diane) Bennett of Bellaire, MI and Ann (Kris) Ockomon of Anderson, IN; six grandchildren, Josh (Penny) Bennett, Aaron Bennett, Jacob (Sara) Bennett, Rachel (Shawn) Hyatt-Hiebert, Craig (Cecile) Hyatt and Amanda Ockomon; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Norris; sister-in-law, Betty Kingham; and a brother-in-law, Bruce Cunningham. In addition to his parents, Clarence was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Edna J. (Keipinger) Bennett in 2011; a daughter, Janette Hyatt; and two sisters, JoeAnn Burley and Elaine Meyers. The funeral service will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at the Fraser Road Church of God, 2755 Fraser Road, Kawkawlin, MI 48631. Officiating will be Pastor Steve Karp. Private interment will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Bay City. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc., 201 W. Midland St., Bay City, MI 48706, on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Mr. Bennett will lie instate at the church on Wednesday from 10:00am until time of service. There will be a memorial service at 11:00am on Friday January 13, 2012 at the Bellaire United Methodist Church, 401 N. Bridge St,. Bellaire, MI 49615 with Pastor Carl Litchfield officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Bellaire High School Athletic Department or the American Cancer Society. gephartfuneralhome.com