John C. "J.C." Bennett, avid outdoorsman

John C. "J.C." Bennett, 68, of Ocean View went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, after a brief illness.

He was born in Sharptown, Md., to Victor and Mildred Bennett. With his family, he moved to the Ocean View area as a child. From his early years as a lifeguard in Bethany Beach to his later years fishing and going on nature walks, J.C. was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching.

J.C. graduated from Lord Baltimore High School in 1967. He was a member of the Delaware National Guard and worked for the phone company. He retired from Verizon in 2008 after 34 years of service. He and his wife, Patricia, settled down in Clarksville, where they raised their daughter, Kristen.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, with whom he shared 41 wonderful years of marriage; and his daughter, P. Kristen Bennett. J.C. was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Leland "Lee" Bennett.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff at Atlantic General Hospital and Peninsula Regional Medical Center not only for the wonderful care that they provided, but also for their kindness and compassion.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Mariner's Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View. The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays – James Farm Ecological Preserve, 39375 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com