Oliver Bennett, decorated veteran, dies

DOWNEY - Oliver "Ollie" Nelson Bennett, a Downey resident since 1984, passed away at home Oct. 22 at age 89.He was born May 4, 1924 in Huntington Park. He and his wife, Annie, attended Bell High School and married in August 1947. He served in the Navy as a pharmacist's mate (Ph.M. 2/c) during World War II and the Korean War. He wore the following medals from WWII: Asiatic Pacific, three stars; American victory, Philippine Liberation, one star; and good conduct. In addition to participating in the battles at Subic Bay, Okinawa, Eniwetok and the Lingayen Gulf invasion, he served at the Mare Island Naval Hospital in the U.S. and Eniwetok Marshall Islands while overseas. Afterwards, he worked as a cabinetmaker in Paramount. He is survived by his wife, Annie; two daughters; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

********** Published: Nov. 21, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 32