Freddy Bennett

Freddy was born on April 15, 1919 to Samuel E. and Mary Carolyn (Davis) Bennett. Freddy grew up in Madison, Indiana and became an accomplished baseball player with a dream to try out with the Cincinnati Reds. In 1924 his father died. Once Freddy was old enough he was forced do odd jobs to help support his family. By ninth grade his schooling ended and he began working full time to support his mother. On December 10, 1940, Freddy joined the Indiana National Guard and was assigned to the 38th Division. He had hopes of completing his one year obligation and returning home for a tryout with Cincinnati. World War II changed that! Freddy became a gun mechanic on the 155 millimeter 'Long Tom' guns assigned to the 208th Field Artillery battalion. His training took him to Camp Shelby, MS, Camp Forrest, TN, Ft Fisher, NC, Ft Sill, OK and Ft. Bragg, NC. In March 1944, his unit left New York aboard a liberty ship bound to England for assignment in the European Theater of Operations. The 208th was re-designated the 989th Field Artillery battalion and attached to Patton's 3rd Army. On July 9th, 1944 Freddy and the 989th went ashore at Utah Beach, Normandy, France and subsequently participated in 6 major battles, earning 6 battle stars. Freddy was awarded Marksman-rifle medal, Good Conduct medal, American Defense Service medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII and twice awarded the French Fourragere medal. Freddy's military service was featured in the World War II series produced by the Historic Harford TV program in February 2009. Freddy returned home in October 1945, where he met the love of his life, Ramona. Married in 1947, they began a life together that lasted 62 years. Freddy began his federal career at Jefferson Proving Ground in December 1951, transferring to Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1958 where he finally retired on April 6, 1979. Freddy was a small arms repair specialist and optical sight specialist during his career. Freddy was an active and dedicated member of his church. He served as Sunday School Superintendent, was an ordained Deacon and served as Chair of the Deacons for many years. In retirement he was known for his woodworking, telling of stories of growing up in Madison and of course watching the O's and college sports. He was never very far from a newspaper and could hold his own when it came to discussing current affairs. Freddy leaves behind his loving children and their families: Michael Bennett and wife Elaine of Aberdeen, MD, grandchildren Michele and Andrew Jones of Nashville, TN, Mark Bennett, Sr and wife Anna of Maple Lawn, MD, grandchildren Leigh and Brian Grinham of Buffalo, NY, Mark Jr., wife Jennifer and great grandsons Mark III and Alexander of Towson, MD., Chris (Bennett) Johnson and husband Tom of Poinciana, FL, grandchildren Patrick, wife Jamie and great grandson Sasha of Indianapolis, IN., Timothy, wife Jennifer and great granddaughter Keira of Black Mountain, NC., Tony Bennett, wife Ann and grandchildren Lee(Holly) of Churchville, MD., Gregory and wife Regan of Bel Air, MD., Barry Bennett, wife Linda and grandchildren Jessica of Aberdeen, MD, Jennifer and Ronald Shelton, and great grandson Joshua of Baltimore, MD., Catherine and husband Jerry Eller of Havre de Grace, MD. He is also survived by a large extended family that relied on his quiet leadership and dedicated commitment to family and friends. Freddy was the 'rock' of his family, a man who willingly gave of his time and efforts to others with no strings attached. His caring will be missed by those whose lives he touched. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Ramona, his parents and four brothers; Edward, Wheeler, Lee and Harry. He is now in heaven with those who have passed before him. Visitation will be at Tarring Cargo Funeral Home, Aberdeen, MD on January 9 at 4:00pm, and Morgan Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, IN on January 12 at 11:00am. Interment will be at the Indiana Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Madison, IN. with military honors. Pallbearers will be grandsons Patrick Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Mark Bennett, Jr., Gregory Bennett, Andrew Jones, Brian Grinham, Ronald Shelton and Jerry Eller. Family requests donations in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made in memory of Freddy Bennett to the Freddy & Ramona B Bennett Scholarship Fund, c/o Aberdeen Heritage Trust, 60 N. Parke St., Aberdeen, MD 21001 or in Freddy's name to The Dennis Holt Scholarship Fund c/o Community Foundation of Madison, 214 E. Main St., Madison, IN 47250. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001