Jerry Marvin Bennett

Jerry Marvin Bennett, 63, of Thebes, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

He was born on Aug. 5, 1961, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Marvin and Donna Baugher Bennett.

He married Lori Koch on Oct. 8, 1999, and they spent over 25 years together. She survives.

During his law enforcement career of 40-plus years, he worked for Thebes as the marshal, the Cairo Police Department, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Illinois Drug Task Force as an inspector of the Illinois State Police. 

He was hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigations for the Drug Task Force and participated in Operation “River City Crack Out” and was sworn in as a Special Federal Officer. 

He then went to work for the Alexander County Sheriff’s Department, where he earned rank of Chief Deputy. 

He was always quick witted with a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was loyal and had a heart of gold and was a very generous person. 

In his spare time, he was a member of the Knights Templar. He loved and enjoyed all kinds of music and was a talented guitar player. As well, he enjoyed collecting antique pocket watches, fire trucks and guitars. He loved the Lord and enjoyed studying the Bible.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; daughters Torie (Tim) Grogan, Amanda Bennett and Kathryn Bennett; one grandchild, Abigail Grogan; sisters Toni (Bruce) Sims and Angela Jones; nephew Brentley Sims; niece Kassidy Jones; many cherished friends and his coworkers past and present.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Bessie Bennett Brown and Lester Brown and Clarence Baugher and Lucille McHughs Baugher. 

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Bob Richardson officiating. 

Interment followed the funeral service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes. 

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms was in charge of arrangements.