A Celebration of Life for Patrick Vernon Bennett, 61, of Seattle, Washington, previously of Marshall, will be held Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Texas and Louisiana Association Building on state highway 43 in Marshall at 3:00p.m. Interment will follow the service in Rosehill Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday, October 28, 2016 at Downs Funeral Home from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Mr. Bennett passed away Monday, October 24, 2016 in Washington.

Patrick "Pat" Vernon Bennett was born September 18, 1955 to the parentage of Jim Bennett, Sr. and Vernon Bennett-Jackson in Marshall, Texas.  He received Christ at an early age at the True Vine Baptist Church. He received his early education at Holy Spirit Catholic School and H.B.Pembleton School. He later moved to Seattle, Washington where he graduated from Garfield High School.

After graduation, Pat served in the United States Marines until he was honorably discharged.  Upon returning to Marshall, he attended Wiley College where he double majored in music history and education, and received his teaching certification.  While in college, Pat married Sandra Moody on September 30, 1980.  From their union, two children were born --- James Major Bennett and David George Bennett.

Pat worked at the tank line in Scottsville, Texas.  He later worked at the Navy Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.  Pat was an avid swimmer and worked as the Aquatics Coordinator at the YMCA of Greater Seattle.  Other jobs included Sears Department Store and Lowes,

Pat enjoyed track and field.  He loved old school cars and watching western films.  Pat had a special place in his heart for all of his family, and it was very important to him.  He stressed the importance of education to all of the children in his family.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father Wiley Jackson, two brothers-- Napoleon James and Jim Bennett Jr., his sister Ula Faye Hamilton, and two step-brothers--Willy Floyd Jackson and Bervin Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sons -- James Major Bennett of Pearland, Texas, and David George Bennett of Seattle, Washington and their mother, Sandra Bennett; two sister, Annetta (Joe) Stevens of Scottsville, Texas, and Ola May (Roy) DuShane of Longview, Texas; Grandchildren -- Daejah Leche Bennett, David Gabriel James Bennett, and Ariah Dezirae Bennett; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.