Obituary from The Natchitoches Times, Thursday, November 17, 2011:

Buford "Butch" Bennett, Jr.

Funeral services were held for Buford "Butch" Bennett, Jr., 67, at the Chapel of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Home, Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Tim Herrington officiating.

Known as Butch, he entered into this world as special, having been born a leap year baby, February 29, 1944.  He was the first born of Buford Bennett and Catherine Elese DeLukie Bennett in the City of Lights -- Natchitoches.

Butch was a member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church and was retired from the power line construction industry.  He worked most of his life in all phases of construction, from grunt to supervisor.  He loved storm damage work and traveling and had great pride and satisfaction in restoring power and seeing happy customers.  He never ran from a challenge in life or work.  Butch took great pride in taking on a job that no one else would or could do and completing it in a timely manner.

He suffered an accident in school that left him with a seizure disorder.  They said he would probably never be able to do anything strenuous, but they didn't know Butch!  With his second cancer diagnosis three and a half years ago, he was told he had six months at best.  But again, they didn't know him!  After his third diagnosis, he fought with all he had to celebrate his 29th anniversary, November 5, 2011.

The linemen have a saying that the lights blink three times before they go out.  With Butch, the lights dimmed in May 2000, dimmed again in March of 2008, and the third time in June of 2011.  On November 11, 2011, they went out for the final time and he left his special mark.

He never met a stranger and will be truly missed by family and friends as his smile and wit were infectious!  We should remember his love for us and celebrate that he is safely home.  He has no more pain or suffering and he is whole again and can talk and laugh.  He is loved and we can hope that the buffet is full and hot!

Butch was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Helen Bennett of Homer; one son, Stephen Medwick and wife, Elizabeth, of Houston; two daughters whom he loved dearly, Tammy and Tricia; the pride of his life, his grandson, Colton Bennett Medwick; one sister, Joy Bennett of Homer; three brothers, Bradley Bennett and wife, Necy of Pollock; Carl and Debra Bennett and Alan Bennett and wife, Melissa, all of Saline; special in-laws, Harold and Terri Bennett of Honey Grove, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He loved his family, his wife and son, his brothers, sisters and cousins.  He did not think of them as in-laws and such, they were only brothers and sisters or daughters.  He had so many plans for his beloved grandson.  He had two daughters he had not seen in many years but he loved them dearly and wondered how and where they were.

He had a special place in his heart for the kids--nieces and nephews.  No matter how old they were, they were his kids.  He loved his animals and that love grew in recent years.  Perhaps because they couldn't talk either and they shared a special understanding.

Pallbearers were Stephen Medwick, Harold Bennett, Marty Bennett, Clifton Bennett,m Jared Bennett and Jamie Waganer.

For friends considering memorials to honor Butch, his family suggests the Faith Missionary Baptist Church or the Adkins Cemetery Association.  Online condolences may be given at www.rose-neath.com