Charles Bennett Obituary

DR. CHARLES IVERSON BENNETT III
October 22, 1946 December 7, 2020

On December 7, 2020, Dr. Charles Iverson Bennett III, beloved husband, father of two children, and grandfather to three, passed away peacefully at the age of 74, surrounded by family.
Charles was born in Washington D.C. on October 22, 1946. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965, subsequently earning his Bachelors degree and a commission as an Air Force officer. He served his country honorably for 23 years, retiring as a Major. He married the love of his life, Judith, whom he met while they were attending Officer Training School together in 1973. In his military career, Charles eventually became a B-52 master radar navigator, accruing over 3000 hours (including combat tours over Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos). He and Judith raised two children together.
Charles had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. After retiring from the Air Force, he went on to earn his Doctoral degree in Management. He taught undergraduate classes at Colorado Technical University for 16 years, building a reputation as the professor who taught the classes that students were eager to take. Charles was also very active in several science and technology nonprofit organizations, including the National Space Science & Technology Institute, where he served on the Board of Directors, and the Pikes Peak Observatory. His zealous pursuit of furthering humanity's understanding of the universe was infectious and unending. He was also a 30-year member of the Kiwanis Club of America, where he rang bells at Christmas, handed out thank-you plaques, and was an all-around cheerleader for the organization. He was a long-time Mercedes-Benz aficionado, owning a series of "Star" vehicles; but his pride and joy was a bright red SL400 convertible. He was a 20-year member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, where he served as president of the local section, regional director for the Rocky Mountain Region, and president of the MBCA Educational Foundation.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, Major General Charles I. Bennett Jr., USAF, his mother, PFC Kate W.L. Gordon Bennett, USMC, and his brother Major James G. Bennett, USAF. He is survived by his wife, Lt Col Judith S. Bennett USAF; his children Captain Charles I Bennett V USAF and Chandra Bennett Winey; his grandchildren, Logan, Quinn, and Skylar; his sister, Madeline Bennett Ioannou; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. His kind, caring nature, his wry wit and sense of humor, his keen intellect, and his unmatched and endless repertoire of arcane trivia will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
A funeral service will be held at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Kiwanis Club of Colorado Springs. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date when his friends and family can gather safely.