Donald Lee Bennett

Donald Lee Bennett, 83, of Bardstown, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in Spencer County, October 11, 1939, to the late Jack and Elizabeth Herndon Bennett.

He was a member of the Battery C 2/138 Artillery, a member of Cox's Creek Baptist Church, past president of Bardstown Optimist Club , past member of the Nelson County Fair Board. He was the Owner/Operator of Nelson County Implement for 59 years. Donnie started his career at Nelson County Implement in 1964 and grew the Ford Dealership to be in the top tier Dealerships in the U.S.  In 1989, he took on Cub Cadet Lawn Equipment, with the help of his family, grew the Cub Cadet Brand in Nelson and surrounding  counties, to be in the Top 20 Dealerships in the country for the last 20 years.

He was an avid car collector. He had enjoyed tractor pulling, golfing, tinkering on his old cars. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune , Funniest Home Videos ,  the Andy Griffith show.

He especially enjoyed playing, teasing, roughhousing his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He was a unique, special and one-of-a-kind man to us all. His eyes would light up, whenever any of his family was around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Vernon and Elizabeth Proffitt, a brother-in-law, Johnny Morris, nephew, Dana Kays, and a great nephew, Brandon Clark.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Mary Etta Proffitt Bennett, his three loving children, Andrea Bennett(Bucky) of Bardstown, Donetta Harned(David), Roy Bennett ( Missy) both of Cox's Creek. Two siblings, Linda Kays of Bardstown, Dr. Roger Bennett(Martha) of Blue Springs, Missouri. Seven grandchildren, Damien Ulrich(Heather), Samantha Roby(Eric Johnson), Kelli Tonge, Whitney Hughes(Johnathan), Morgan Roach(Jake), Emilee Thompson( Mark), Brodie Bennett . Four great grandchildren, Kingston, Ezra, Kamdon and Eliah.  Several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A very Special Thank You for his caregivers, Kelli Tonge, Allie Guest, Damien Ulrich, Emilee and Mark Thompson, his children and their spouses.

Hospice staff, Roni, Patty, Liz, Julie, Tammy, Ginger, and Ray.

His funeral service will be at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Barlow Funeral Home with burial in Bardstown Cemetery.  Bro. Jim Bratcher will officiate.  Visitation will be from 3 till 8 P.M. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 and 9 till 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Barlow Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers, expression of sympathy may go to the Alzheimer's Association.

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