Jesse Harland Bennett

North Logan, Utah - Jesse Harland Bennett, 73, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully early Sunday, September 6, 2009 at Logan Regional Hospital in Logan, Utah following an illness.

He was born June 21, 1936 in Lehi, Utah, a son of Clifford Crosby and Dorothy Carr Bennett. He attended schools in Lehi, Utah and graduated from Lehi High School in 1954. He attended Dixie Jr. College where he received an A. A. degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended BYU 1956-1958 where he studied Botany.

On September 12, 1958, he married Marilyn Gubler in the St. George L.D.S. Temple. She passed away October 25, 2007.

He received his B.S. in Botany from Utah State University in 1961 and in 1965 received his M.S. in Forestry (Recreation; Forest Physiology). In 1969, he received his PhD in Botany (Physiology-Biochemistry and Toxicology). He then did Postdoctorate studies in Biophysics at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jesse worked for the USDA as a Plant Physiologist/Researcher for approximately 20 years. His professional career began in Beltsville, Maryland at the USDA/Agricultural Research Station. When given the opportunity in 1983, he jumped at the chance to transfer his position to their beloved Cache Valley and continued working at a USDA lab at USU. Prior to retiring in 1994, he spent 1 year in Florida working at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.

However, of all his accolades, he believed his greatest accomplishments and feelings of pride were found in his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of the L.D.S. Church and served in many callings throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by a son, Scott Jesse (Brenda) Bennett, N. Logan, Utah; 2 daughters, Cheryl Bennett (Sharik) Peck, Richmond, Utah; Teresa Bennett Merrell, N. Logan, Utah. 5 brothers, Paul (Laura) Bennett, Grove City, Ohio; J. Von (Mary Lou) Bennett, Pleasant Grove, Utah; Lyle Gene (Karen) Bennett, St. George, Utah; Robert (Linnea) Bennett, Orem, Utah; Gregory (Ronda) Bennett, Riverton, Utah; 3 sisters, Beverly (Julius) Hoggard, Salt Lake City, Utah; Ann Nelson, Salt Lake City, Utah; Cheri (Ralph) Atkin, St. George, Utah. 16 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 1 brother, 3 sisters and son-in-law, Loren Merrell.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 11, 2009 at 12 noon at the North Logan Second Ward (2100 N. 1105 E.) with Bishop John Morrey, officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening September 10, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church and on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery with military rites provided by the Smithfield American Legion, Post 58.

Funeral arrangments are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho.