Joe "Bubba" Bennett

April 13, 1962  -  November 9, 2022

Robert “Bubba” Joe Bennett, 60, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly, on November 9, 2022, while staying at Cloverleaf Nursing Home.

Joe was born on April 13, 1962, in Clay County, Indiana, the son of Robert and Nancy (Louderback) Bennett. He graduated from Van Buren High School with the class of 1980. Joe married Charlene Bell on July 18, 1986.

Joe was the epitome of a community servant. After graduation, Joe served as a Volunteer Fireman for the Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department for seven years. Joe worked as a fireman for the Brazil City Fire Department and was a member of the International Association of Firefighters local 1453 for 28 years. He served as Brazil City Fire Chief for 9 years. Joe also worked for the Clay County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher and a jailer. He served as the Town Marshall for Harmony for several years and a reserve officer for the Brazil Police Department. Joe has served on the Calcutta Cemetery Board for the past several years and was currently serving as their board president.

When he wasn’t serving others, Joe enjoyed photography, watching racing, and watching IU Basketball. Although Joe didn’t have children of his own, he dearly loved his nephews Stuart and Wyatt. He attended nearly all of their sporting events and photographed many events for them and their friends.

Joe had several dogs over the years and truly enjoyed being a “Dog Dad”.

Joe is survived by his wife of 36 years Charlene Bennett; his brother Jake Bennett and wife Jill; nephews Stuart and Wyatt; brothers and sisters-in-law: Darrell Bell and wife Katie, Charles Bell and wife Linda, Donna Archer and husband Casey, Ron Smith and wife Darla; uncle Richard “Boone” Evans; as well as various cousins and extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Nancy Bennett and an aunt Pat Evans; mother and father-in-law Charles and Shirley Bell.

Visitation will be at French Funeral Home, 421 E. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834, on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Services will be held on Saturday, at the funeral home, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Calcutta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clay County Humane Society 8280 N County Rd 125 W. Brazil, IN 47834.

Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to share a memory.