Obituary Washington- Franklin O. Bennett, 86, died at 5:36 AM on Friday, August 21, 2009 at his home with his loving wife of 61 years by his side. He was born in Peoria on May 5, 1923 to Frank T. and Esther (Roberts) Bennett. He married Martha Gibson on July 30, 1948 in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are daughter Helene (Harold) Whitaker of Washington; son Frank Bennett of Las Vegas; special niece Debbie Holzhauer of Washington; 3 granddaughters Angie Smith of Washington, Stephanie (Denis) Fisher of Washington, and Carrie Lawson of Pekin; and many loving great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters. Franklin served in the United States Navy for 3 years and the United States Army as a Sergeant 1st Class in the Occupation Forces for 7 years. He was a charter member of the Washington VFW, Local Teamsters #627 and a lifetime member of the American Legion and DAV. He retired as a truck driver from Consolidated FreightWays after over 20 years of service. A graveside service for Franklin will be held on Monday, August 24, 2009 at 11 AM at Hillcrest Memory Garden in Morton. Pastor Bill White will officiate. Tazewell Military Rites Team will provide military honors. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice or Washington Fire and Rescue. Service AUG 24. 11:00 AM Hillcrest Memory Gardens Morton, IL, US