Leo James Bennett, age 80, of Kissee Mills, Missouri

Leo James Bennett, age 80, of Kissee Mills, Missouri, passed away on July 15, 2023. He entered this life on January 12, 1943, in Salinas, California, the son of Ray and Stella (Stanfill) Bennett.

An avid outdoorsman, Leo treasured his free time to fish, hunt, and camp. He loved traveling, and anytime he spotted a swap meet, he had to stop. Leo was known as the “swap meet king” for his ability to wheel and deal. His favorite tagline was “let’s make a deal.” Leo was passionate about his storytelling, and shared many stories about the days he built bridges and performed underwater welding. He was very loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Stella Bennett; brother, Bob Bennett; brother, Dan Bennett; sister, Mildred Sagun; first wife, Ellen May Hanshew; and second wife, Faye Bennett.

He is survived by his daughter, Sherry (Mike) Summers of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; son, Curtis (Tracey) Bennett of Kissee Mills, Missouri; daughter, Tracy Kuhn of Spavinaw, Oklahoma; and six grandchildren: Robert (Melissa) Harnden of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Todd (Marla) Harnden of Springfield, Missouri, Stacey Bennett of Ozark, Missouri, Justin (Brandi) Bennett of Taneyville, Missouri, Ryan Kuhn of Vinita, Oklahoma, and Tara Peterson of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Leo is also survived by three sisters: Aleta Bennett of Nevada, Joyce (Larry) Sohl of Claremore, Oklahoma, and Delma Bilyue of Modesto, California; brother, Wayne (Nancy) Bennett of Modesto, California; and twelve great-grandchildren.

A private celebration of life is being planned. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com