Usaf Smsgt. (Ret.) Clifton J. Bennett

USAF SMSgt. (Ret.) Clifton J. Bennett, age 80 of Fairborn, passed away Tuesday May 17, 2022 at the Miami Valley Hospital.  He was born July 11, 1941 in Selma, Alabama, the son of the late Goldsey and Estella (Phillips) Bennett.

Clifton enlisted in the US Air Force in 1963 and served with distinction as a Crew Chief, Expeditor, and Flight Chief, including three consecutive tours of duty in Southeast Asia, retiring as an Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent in 1990 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Following retirement, he became an avid fisherman and could be found on or around the base as well as the Mad River.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death several siblings.  Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Saing (Buosawai); two sons, Tepadol Bennett and Pom Bennett; a grandson, Christian (Jolonda) Bennett; three great-grandsons, Christian II, Masen, Logan; a great-granddaughter, Scarlet; two brothers, George and Estervelle Bennett; as well as numerous other extended family.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday May 24, 2022 from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday June 1, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at the Dayton National Cemetery, Pastor H. Wesley Barnhill officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org -or- the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.