M. Gene Bennett passed away on May 10, 2023, at his home in Poolesville, MD. Known for his distinctive handlebar mustache and no-nonsense approach, Gene epitomized a life well lived.

Born on December 27, 1929, in Anstead, WV, Gene was a wonderful Christmas gift to his parents Samuel and Florina. He was the youngest of six children and rounded out the numbers as the third son, joining his two brothers Jim and Ray and his three sisters Novella, Rosemary, and Beulah.

Gene met the love of his life at "Pat and Bert’s Lunch" in Ansted in 1947. He would stop by for a hot dog after working evenings at the Ritz Theatre. One night Patty, the daughter of Pat and Bert, intentionally short-changed Gene in hopes of him returning. They went on their first date two weeks later and married in 1950. Nearly sixty-nine years of marriage yielded three sons and enough wonderful memories together for multiple lifetimes.

Gene was a graduate of the West Virginia Institute of Technology and Catholic University, where he received his master’s degree. A lifelong educator, Gene taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Ramsey, WV, high school in Fairfax and Montgomery Counties, and for both the Army and OPM. A U.S. Army veteran, his service extended far beyond his military enlistment. Gene was active in Scouting, the Town of Poolesville, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), and Montgomery County Public Schools.

His Christian faith served as the foundation for all aspects of Gene’s life. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Rockville for twenty-five years and later of both Poolesville and Barnesville Baptist Churches. Gene participated in multiple mission trips, including a trip to Haiti. He was a Deacon, Sunday School Director and teacher, Trustee, and Outreach Director and was dedicated to sharing the good word with others.

After his retirement from the U.S. Government in 1986, Gene filled his days traveling with Patty in an Airstream where he made lifelong friends across the country. Gene was a Master Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was the founder of the 2x4 Square Dancing Club in Poolesville, a line dancing instructor, and a talented musician, playing Bluegrass and Gospel music on the mandolin and guitar.

Gene was proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his three devoted sons Greg (Elsa), Brian (Heather), and Brad (Chrystal), four grandsons, one granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his family, Gene will be profoundly missed by the many people whose lives he impacted and his loyal canine companion, Angie, the beagle.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s name to Montgomery Hospice (https://montgomeryhospice.org/giving/ways-to-give/) or the Montgomery County SPCA (https://montgomerycountyspca.org/donate/#donation-options). Services will be private.