Herschel Lynn Bennett

Herschel Bennett left this earth for his heavenly home on October 10, 2025.

Herschel was born on February 25, 1942, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Gordon and Martha Bennett. He was raised in Buhl, Idaho, where he lived on a family farm. As a boy, he developed a lifelong love for animals, especially his loyal dog, Buster, who was his faithful companion throughout his youth. He attended Deep Creek School House in Buhl from 1st through 8th grade, where he formed many cherished memories — including a special friendship with Greig Farmer, who was like a big brother to him.

A 1960 graduate of Buhl High School, Herschel was active in both football and track & field. That same year, he joined the National Guard, serving for four years — including six months of active duty.

In July of 1960, Herschel married Bonnie J. Parrott, and together they had two children, Lynnette Bennett and Robert A. Bennett. During these years, Herschel enjoyed bowling in leagues, salmon fishing at Lolo Campground with friends, and working at the Green Giant Research Center, where he loved playing basketball with coworkers. He also loved belonging to a local horse-riding club with his family and spending time with his favorite horses, Stormy and Topaz. The family’s loyal dog, King, was a favorite during this time and a constant companion. After 18 years of marriage, Herschel continued to build his life around family, hard work, and faith.

In 1978, Herschel married Linda Terrell, and was blessed with three stepdaughters from that union: Terri, Tammy, and Teresa Middleton. During this time, Herschel and Linda made many wonderful memories together. They enjoyed splitting cheesecake with Terri Lynn after church at Prime Cut — a simple, joyful tradition that reflected his love for family and fellowship. Terri Lynn fondly remembers many family camping trips, a home always filled with music, especially gospel and Christmas songs, and the beautiful poetry Herschel wrote and shared. While living in Lewiston, Herschel worked hauling wood chips for Potlatch, spent peaceful days fishing the Snake River, and learned to play the guitar — sparking a passion for music that would last his lifetime.

Herschel went on to pursue a long and successful trucking career, driving for Clear Lakes Trout Company, Gordon Trucking, and International Transport. Eventually, he purchased his own truck and ran dedicated routes between Boise, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah. He took great pride in his work and the independence that came with life on the road.

On January 1, 1999, Herschel married the love of his life, Sandra Burton Bennett, whom he met at the Free Will Baptist Church. From this marriage, he was blessed with two additional stepdaughters, Shelley Campbell and Erica O’Donnell. Sandra remembers him as an incredibly gifted musician and a strong Christian man whose faith guided his life. He and Sandra created beautiful memories together — from cruising to Mexico and visiting Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry, to camping with her daughter Erica and her four sons. Herschel took great pride in teaching his grandsons how to fish, ride motorcycles and dirt bikes, and pan for gold as a member of the Gold Pan Association. Together Sandra and Herschel shared a friendship with Greig and Arlene Farmer, cherishing countless visits, laughter, and years of faith-filled fellowship.

Throughout the years, Herschel had many passions — riding motorcycles, fishing, rock hunting and polishing stones, and spending time outdoors with his dogs. His final job was with the Twin Falls Canal Company, where he spent 10 years mowing ditch banks before retiring at age 75.

Music was one of Herschel’s greatest joys. He played the guitar, dobro, banjo, piano, organ, and harmonica, and was part of a musical group of fellow Christians who performed gospel music in nursing homes. He also wrote songs and poetry throughout his life.

In recent years, Herschel found peace sitting in the yard with his dogs, Honey and Beau. He often shared that the best thing he ever did in his life was accepting the Lord as his Savior at just seven years old.

Herschel is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Sandra; his daughter Lynnette Butler (David); his son Robert A. “Bob” Bennett; stepdaughters Terri Middleton, Tammy Middleton, Teresa Johnson-Rizo, Shelley Campbell, and Erica O’Donnell (Bobby Metts); his grandchildren Darren Butler, Christina Butler, Denum (Rob) Kolb, Levi (Stacy) Bennett, Skylar O’Donnell, Ryan O’Donnell, Tristyn O’Donnell, and Quinn O’Donnell; and six great-grandchildren Dakota Bennett, Arazona Bennett, Charli Bennett, Dominic Kolb, Ella O’Donnell, and Addison O’Donnell. He is also survived by his sister Nadine Howe, brothers Harley (Sharon) and Les (Shirl), brother-in-law Virgil (Mary) Andrews, brother-in-law Michael (Teri) Burton, sister-in-law, Sheila Burton and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Martha and Gordon Bennett, brother Owen (JoAnn) Bennett, sister Laura Andrews, and brother-in-law Duane Howe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301.

Donations in Herschel’s name are welcomed at the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

Herschel’s faith, music, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.