John Lawrence BennettSterling, KS

John Lawrence Bennett, 75, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away November 18, 2025, at his home. He was born August 17, 1950, in Sterling, the son of Raymond Lawrence and Veda Beth (Copeland) Bennett. John was a lifelong Sterling resident. He graduated from Sterling High School, with the class of 1968, and received his auto mechanic certificate from Pittsburg State University. John served in the United States Army from September 25, 1970 until his honorable discharge in April 27, 1972. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling, and the Sterling American Legion Post #128. John also served on the Walnut Township Board and maintained the township roads for many, many years. John loved his cats, enjoyed camping, boating, farming, playing cards, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid Kansas State University fan, and enjoyed watching sports, especially basketball; and he attended the NJCAA tournaments every year in Hutchinson. On March 16, 1974, John was united in marriage with Beverly Dolezal in Alden, Kansas. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2019. He is also preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Helen Matthews; grandson, Daniel Bortzfield; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. John is survived by his two daughters, Cassie Colborn and husband Timothy of Clearwater, KS, and Mindy Bennett of Sterling, KS; two sisters, Bonnie Elliott and husband Galen of Salina, KS, and Barbara Bennett and spouse Shannon Sandidge of Denver, CO; four sisters-in-law, Sherry Lackey and husband Lowen of Sterling, KS, Gayle Stucky and husband Allen of Castleton, KS, Kaye Dolezal of Hutchinson, KS, and Joyce Robinson and husband Rob of Hutchinson, KS; six grandchildren, Bennett Knight of Clearwater, KS, Alex Colborn of Andover, KS, William Bortzfield (Lori) of Hutchinson, KS, Shelby Ochs (Blake) of Great Bend, KS, Spencer Haltom (Emilie) of Sterling, KS, Brinna Haltom (Dane Wood) of Raymond, KS; twelve great-grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Pastor Amy Foster officiating. If you feel compelled, the family would love to see you in John Deere or K-State attire to honor and celebrate John’s life. Burial will be at Peace Valley Cemetery, rural Sterling, at a later date. Visitation will be at 12:00 P.M. until service time with family present. Memorials may be given to Bennett Knight Education Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

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