Maurice Richard Bennett

Maurice Richard Bennett, “Rich,” age 86, of New Creek, WV passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with his loving wife, Shirley, by his side.

Born in Keyser, WV, on August 8, 1938, he was the son of the late Maurice Aurthur and Christine (Kooken) Bennett. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Lisa A. Bennett Chalfant, three infant children, his brother Roger Bennett, and his in-laws Charles and Virginia Lee.

Rich’s career began at the young age of 12, when he started a paper route. At age 16, he drove truck for his father’s coal mining company. In 1957, he joined the US Military. Rich was a machinist by trade. He worked for Westvaco for 43 ½ years, where he was better known as Speedy. He retired in 2002. He was also skilled in the trades of masonry, pipefitting, welding, and was a talented craftsman. He used all his skills to build his family home in Tanglewood Loop in 1979.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Rich enjoyed riding his ATV while deer hunting on property behind his home. He loved having family get-togethers at his house where everyone could enjoy the swimming pool and Shirley’s home-cooked meals, moments he cherished dearly.

Rich was a member of Rees Chapel United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Keyser American Legion Post 41.

Rich is survived by his wife of 39 years, Shirley (Lee) Bennett; his sons Jeffrey Bennett (Gina) of Austin, TX; Russel Taylor of Swanton, MD and daughter, Barbara Davis (Douglas) of Swanton, MD; and his beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey Bennett II, Emma Bennett, Hamilton Brookshire, Kaitlyn Brookshire, Caleb Brookshire, Josiah Brookshire, Jennifer Davis, Kristy Reed (Eric), Holly Doman (Josh), and Kayla Porter (Ben); 10 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren. Rich is also survived by his 5 brothers, Donald (Patsy), Gene (Clara), David (Kelly), Harry (Mary Beth), and Steve (Tara); as well as numerous other family members and close friends.

Friends will be received at the Boal Memorial Chapel, Barton, on Tuesday, July 29th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Stephon Reed officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the Keyser American Legion Honor Guard prior to the funeral service.  

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caregiver, Donna Smith, for her compassion and dedicated care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rich’s name to support veterans, an important cause close to his heart.