Edward Joe Leon Bennett

Edward Joe Leon Bennett, 68 of Kirbyville, MO

Edward Joe Leon Bennett was born June 19, 1953 in Joplin, Missouri to Jasper & Marguerite (Harris) Bennett.  He graduated from Southwest High School in Southwest City, MO.  On August 15, 1975, Joe married Kathryn Smith in Miami, Oklahoma.  They were blessed with their daughter, Rebecca.

Joe and his family lived in Tiff City, MO and Westville, OK where they operated a poultry farm before moving to Forsyth and later Kirbyville.  Joe and Kathy worked together on the custodial staff at Hollister High School.  He also worked at Silver Dollar City part-time over the last few years.

Joe was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Anderson, MO.  He was also a member of Hope Community Church in Tiff City and currently attended the Cowboy Church in Branson.

Joe was an outdoorsman.  He enjoyed working in his yard, camping, fishing and hunting deer, rabbits and squirrels.  He also found the outdoors as a place to commune with God.  He loved to watch the deer and spend time in prayer and be in the stillness of the woods.  Joe was gifted musically and enjoyed music and dancing.  He and Kathy often took in Branson shows.  He enjoyed playing the drums and dancing the two-step with his favorite partner, his daughter Becca.

Joe was the cook in the house and prepared delicious meals.  He also loved western movies, even if he had watched them a hundred times, he’d watch them all over again.

Joe was outgoing and never met a stranger.  He always had a smile and a hug and made you feel like the most important person when he talked with you.  He laughed big, loved big and lived big. 

Joe passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the age of 68.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Bennett of Kirbyville; his daughter, Becca Bennett of Kirbyville, sister Barbara Martin of Tiff City, Missouri, nieces, nephews, a host of loving cousins and friends along with a handful of “adopted” kids.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be Monday, August 23, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.