Gary Douglas Bennett

Gary Douglas Bennett, 41 years old, of Preston, Idaho, died on May 13, 2025. He was born on July 3, 1983, in Sandy, Utah. At six weeks of age, in the arms of a Social Worker for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he flew on a big old plane from Utah to Arkansas to live with and be adopted by Pete and Mary Bennett along with their children. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Grover and Dora Bennett, his maternal grandparents, James and Pearlena Phipps, and by a nephew, Steven Taylor Soderborg, and his aunt Anna Mae Phipps Brandli.

He is survived by his father and mother, Pete and Mary Bennett. Six sisters: Rhonda (Taylor) Soderborg of El Paso, Texas, Denise (Dirk) Parkinson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Teresa (Kevin) Watts of Preston, Idaho, Nancy (Jimmy) Jones of Preston, Idaho, Dawn (Rod) Swainston of Preston, Idaho and Tammie Bennett of the home. Three brothers, Ben (Laurie) Bennett of Preston, Idaho, Ron (Samantha) Bennett of Preston, Idaho, and Jared (Paula) Bennett of Las Vegas, Nevada.

He is survived by 30 nieces and nephews: Jordan, Michael, Ashton, and Anne Marie Soderborg; Sean, Cody, Katelyn, and Kevin Watts; Rachel, Shelby, Lolli, Indy, Pepper, and Memphis Jones; Cole, Lilli, Gracie, and Reese Swainston; Paige, Darby, and Bryn Bennett; Madilyn, Presleigh, Ron and Gabriella Bennett and Peter, Addy, JJ, and Aynslee Bennett; and 21 grand nieces and nephews.

Gary was a Down’s Syndrome person. He falls within those individuals Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke of in his book Things As They Really Are. He taught: There are clearly special cases of individuals with special limitations in life, which we cannot now fathom. Like him, who was “blind from birth,” some come to bring the glory to God. (John 9:1-2). They are in the Lord’s hands, and he loves them perfectly. Some of those who have required much waiting upon in this life may be waited upon in the next world—but for the highest of reasons.

Gary lived and loved life to the fullest. He ran, played, and enjoyed one and all that he came in contact with until, at the age of 16, Muscular Dystrophy prevented him from walking. At the age of 19, he received a trach and spent the last 22 years on life support in a hospital bed, living at home with his parents and family.

Cancer, double leg amputation below the knees, more than fifty bouts of pneumonia, nine ambulance rides, and one helicopter flight to the University of Utah hospital, and receiving CPR four times to start him breathing again could not begin to dim his love of life.

For three years, 2014-2017, 25-45 missionaries met monthly in his family home for “transfers,” training, and food. After the meeting, they would gather around his bed to sing the Primary songs. “Father Abraham,” “I looked out my window, and what did I see? and Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.” The finale would be when, after proper instruction, Gary led the group in “Calling the Hogs!”

TV, DVDs, and movies brought excitement into his life. As the Red Power Ranger, he saved the universe thousands of times. Regardless of race, sex, or age, he became the leading character in every movie, video, or show he watched! He never lost a fight, a race, or a girl in any situation!

He might have been shortchanged in life with a physical body and intellect, but no one, BUT NO ONE, ever lived and loved life more, or better, than Gary Bennett.

Gary faithfully attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until he could no longer walk. All his family looks forward to one year from now, when they will all gather at one of the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to participate in and witness the culmination of his mortal life by witnessing the completion of his temple work.

The family appreciates Dr. David Beckstead and his staff for their loving care during the last 16 years of hospitalizations and midnight phone calls for help. They also appreciate the FCMC staff for their care of Gary, his University of Utah physicians, Dr. Jeannette Brown, Dr. Marshall Smith, Dr. Estelle Harris, Luke Jenkins, PA, and the hundreds of nurses and staff for their dedicated care of our special boy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints missionary fund.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Preston East Stake Center, 310 N. State, Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E., Preston and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the stake center. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

Services will be streamed live and can be viewed Monday at 11:00 am MDST by clicking on the following link

https://youtube.com/live/7nOBACGVG2o?feature=share