Cecil Paul Bennett, 98, of Springfield, MO passed away on February 17, 2026 in Springfield. Paul was born on May 22, 1927 in Solo, MO, the first son of Cecil and Mildred Bennett. He attended Houston Schools and enlisted in the US Navy in support of WWII. He married Bonnie Parrett on December 24, 1969, creating a blended family of a son and two daughters. To their union three sons were born. Paul taught building trades at Cabool High School for 26 years and farmed for over 40 years on the family farm in Shady Grove. Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be missed by all whose life he touched.

He was a lifelong member of Cabool Christian Church.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Cecil Isaac Bennett and Ada Mildred Bennett; daughter, Elizabeth Gomes and brother, Doyle Bennett.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bennett of Springfield, MO; son, William Bennett (Janie) of Lansing, KS; daughter, Kimberley Tyler (Jay) of Willard, MO; son, Jeffry Bennett (Carvella) of Jefferson City, MO; son, Jason Bennett (Julie) of Clever, MO; son, James Bennett of Columbia, MO, 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery with Rodney Brown, Minister officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cabool Christian Church, PO Box 318, Cabool, MO 65689.