Bennett Eddy

A memorial gathering for Bennett Eddy, 83, Lawrence, will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at his home, 4005 Vintage Court, in Lawrence. Inurnment will be later at Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Eddy died Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.He was born March 30, 1923, in St. Joseph, Mo., the son of Clarence H. and Lola Bennett Eddy. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1941 and Washburn University. He received a master’s degree from the University of Southern California.Mr. Eddy served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot for 32 years and retired with the rank of colonel. He flew B-17s during World War II. He was stationed in Fogia, Italy, and flew more than 50 bombing missions. He also served in Vietnam and was stationed with his family in Europe and in a number of places in the U.S. He served as commander of the Air Force ROTC at Kansas University from 1971 to 1974. He received medals of honor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters.He was an avid runner and a member of the Lawrence Athletic Club.He married Katherine Clare on Aug. 5, 1946, in Topeka. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include a daughter, Nancy Gibb and husband Bill, McLean, Va.; a son, Bennett Joel Eddy and wife Gayle, Los Angeles; two grandsons, Todd and Daniel; and three great-grandchildren, Duncan, Ben and Ashley.The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit or Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Online condolences may be sent at www.warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Eddy.