Leonard Bennett, 88, passed away on November 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on June 2, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana, he spent the majority of his life living and giving back to the Simpson and Slagle communities. He built a legacy rooted in family, hard work, and a genuine love for others. Those who knew him will remember him most for his gentle spirit, kind heart, and the quiet way he made everyone feel welcome.
Leonard dedicated 35 years of his career to working as a lineman for Valley Electric, now SWEPCO. His coworkers affectionately knew him as “Ben.” Through decades of hard work and dedication, he provided for the family he loved and was known for his commitment and dependability.
Leonard was a man whose kindness, gentle spirit, and sweet personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Quiet and soft-spoken, he was never one to speak an unkind word about anyone. He had a tenderness about him that made people feel welcome and loved, and he treated everyone he met with genuine warmth. He didn’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. His kindness spoke for itself, and those who knew him will forever remember the goodness in his heart.
Leonard was married to his beloved wife, Earline, for 66 years. The two did everything together and built a life filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of being side by side. Whether sitting together on the back porch, tending to their garden, canning vegetables, or spending weekends at Toledo Bend camping and fishing, they found happiness in doing life together. Their marriage was a beautiful example of what it means to love and respect your partner through every season of life. Leonard always made sure Earline was taken care of, and the gentleness and devotion he showed was evident in the way he lived each day. They were truly each other’s world, and the love they shared will remain one of the greatest legacies they leave behind.
Leonard found happiness in the simple things in life, especially time spent outdoors and surrounded by the people he loved. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, tending to his garden and cows, and sitting on the back porch watching the deer, hummingbirds, and squirrels. Those quiet moments on the porch were among his favorites, but perhaps what made them even more special was sharing them with family and friends.
During his retirement years, one of the most cherished traditions was gathering on the back porch at 3:00 every afternoon for coffee. Family and friends knew that when 3:00 rolled around, it was time to head down to Nanny and Papaw’s. There always seemed to be a pot of coffee ready, a place to sit, and time to visit. For his grandchildren, those afternoons became something to look forward to with every visit. The coffee, the conversations, the familiar faces, and the comfort of being together were all part of what made their home so special. It was never just about having coffee; it was about being together.
Leonard also had a way of bringing his family together through food. He was known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren for making the best pancakes and fried fish, two family favorites that were often requested during visits. Many weekends were spent asking Papaw to make his famous pancakes, then gathering around the kitchen to watch and visit with him as he cooked them in his cast iron skillet.
Above all, Leonard loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great joy in the family he and Earline built together. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Earline Bennett; his two sons, Leonard Bennett Jr. (Paula) and Reginald Bennett (Pam); his grandchildren, Carl Bennett (Leah), Amanda Aguilar (David), Hayden Bennett (Katie), and Blake Bennett (Carlie); and his nine great-grandchildren, Mateo, Abram, Seely, and Everlee Aguilar; Bethany, Abigail, and Rebekah Bennett, and Luke and Barrett Bennett. He is also survived by his siblings, Juanita Barnette and Rodney Bennett (Marilyn).
He was preceded in death by his daughter Stephane Bennett and infant son; parents, TC and Valrie Bennett; his brother, David Bennett; and his granddaughter, Kristin Berkley.
Leonard’s life was a reminder that the greatest things in life are often the simplest: loving your family, being kind to others, working hard, enjoying the outdoors, and making time for the people who matter most. He leaves behind a legacy of gentleness, devotion, and unconditional love.
A funeral service celebrating Leonard’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Hicks United Pentecostal Church, with Reverend Terry Ward officiating. The burial will follow at Glass Window Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Serving as pallbearers will be Hayden Bennett, Blake Bennett, Mateo Aguilar, Abram Aguilar, David Aguilar, and Shane Cole. The honorary pallbearer will be Carl Bennett. All are invited to pay their respects during visitation on the evening of Thursday, November 12, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the church.