Douglas W. Bennett

Douglas W.Bennett 75 of Rootstown died Monday, January 23, 2012. He was born April 30, 1936 in Ashtabula, OH to Lewis and Helen (Gano) Bennett. Mr. Bennett graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1956, received his Bachelors of Music from Kent State in 1960 and his Masters of Music Education from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago in 1967. In 1968 he came to Ravenna High School and during his tenure led the Ravenna Band to many superior ratings at the State level, took many students to solo & ensemble contest that also received superior ratings. He took the marching band to West Virginia and Florida several times where they placed first in several catagories. Mr. Bennett retired from Ravenna High School in 1992, went on to teach at Old Trail School in Bath, OH for nine years and played with several jazz bands including The Swing Machine and Moonlight Serenaders. He was a member of the American School Band Directors Association and the Ohio Retired Teachers Association. The things he enjoyed most in his life where teaching his students music, loyalty and responsibilty and helping his grandchildren with music lessons. Survivors include his wife of 47 years Lana L. (Bratten), daughter Michelle (Michael) Brugmann of Stow, son Steven (Carrie) Bennett of Euclid, grandchildren Michaela and Logan Brugmann and Miranda Bennett, sister in law Janet Bennett and his niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis Bennett and Helen Neason and a brother Earl Bennett. Cremation has taken place. Memorial calling hours will be held from 6 - 8 PM Friday, January 27, 2012 at Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693 or the American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Road, Suite 440, Independence, OH 44131.

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