Ronald William Bennett

Ron was born In Hazel Green, Wisconsin on September 16th, 1946. He was the respected eldest among six siblings who grew up in Orange and Santa Ana.

Ron had an early interest in horses and agriculture, and an aptitude for machinery and hot rods. In 1965, Ron joined the US Air Force as an enlisted serviceman. He led a distinguished career and retired in 1989 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement, Ron began a second career in public education; first as an administrator for Long Beach, Fresno and ABC Unified School Districts, and then as CEO of School Services of California. Ron rose to the top tier of California educators. His enthusiasm and ceaseless efforts benefited the state's schoolchildren and school administrators.

No challenge was beyond Ron’s reach, but nothing engaged his passion like his family. His affection and wisdom were abundant. He loved to listen to his family's stories and the latest jokes about him, even more than he loved to celebrate his Alma Mater Oklahoma University football team, or give rides in his airplanes and Corvettes.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Lyna, his mother Lillian, siblings Stan, Susan, Roy and Laurie, his children David (Bethany), Amy (Kristofer) and Daniel (Shanna), and his grandchildren Luke, Ethan, Cassidy, Emma and Zoe. He is preceded in death by grandfather Norman, grandmother Lola, and brother Gary. Generations of extended family continue to benefit from the foundation of loving support built by him.

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