SPARTA – Marvin (Bud) Bennett, of Sparta, IL.  Born January 01, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021, in his home, surrounded by his family.

Bud was born in St. Louis, MO.  The son of Marvin and Dorothy (Robb) Bennett.  He was a retired United Methodist Minister.

Bud is survived by his wife, Judy Busby Bennett, children; Pam Baker of St. Petersburg, FL, Kim (Randy) Fedderke of Bremen, IL, and Matthew (Angela) Bennett of Bunker Hill, IL, grandchildren; Nathan (Salena) Baker, Philip Baker, Stephen Baker, Daniel Fedderke, Ian Bennett, and Benjamin Bennett, one great grandson, John Baker.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Katherine, infant grandson, Jeremy Bennett Baker.

Bud was employed by McDonnell Douglas before starting Bennett Insurance Agency in Sparta, IL.  He was called into the ministry in 1985.  His first charge was Emmanuel Methodist in Shawneetown, IL.  He was there for 3 years.  From there he was pastor at the Ellis Grove Charge with 3 churches, Ellis Grove Methodist, Preston Methodist, and New Palestine Methodist.  He preached there for 12 years before retiring.  After retirement he served as chaplain at Sparta Community Hospital and St. Clements Hospital in Red Bud.  He served as interim pastor for the Chester Methodist Church before being the interim pastor for the Presbyterian Church in Chester for 4 years.  Then he was part time pastor for the Steeleville and Percy Methodist Churches for 4 years retiring at the age of 80.

Pastor Bud's passion was to serve the people.  He loved to minister in any way he could.  He was also a frequent speaker for morning devotions at WHCO, the local station in Sparta, IL.  He performed many marriages and funerals for the community.

His health prevented him from preaching but his love for God's people continued.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, May 23, 2021, at First United Methodist Church, Sparta, IL, with Rev. Randy McGeehon, Rev. Ronald Johnson, and Rev. Jim Tinzmann officiating.  Burial to follow at Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, IL.  Friends may call 7–9 pm, Saturday, May 22, 2021, and 11-1 pm, Sunday, May 23, 2021, at the church.  The preferred form of Remembrance is a gift to the Preacher Aid Society & Benefit Fund and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.  To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .  Due to executive order, social distancing guidelines must be followed.