Daniel D. Bennett, 58, Bardstown

DAN BENNETT

Daniel D. Bennett, 58, died peacefully in his home in Bardstown, Saturday Sept. 15, 2012. He was born Aug. 26, 1954 in Fort Hood, Texas, to Dewey and Mary Ann (Temple) Bennett. He attended schools in Iowa and Kentucky, graduating from Washington County High School in 1972. He received his Bachelors degree in Journalism from Eastern Kentucky University. He was former director of the Bardstown Nelson County Tourism and Convention Commission, the owner of Bardstown Trolley and Transit where he operated the Heaven Hill Distilleries Trolley from its inception until 2010. His past career included roles in state government in tourism and economic development. He was instrumental in the selection of the image of Federal Hill at Old Kentucky Home State Park for use on the 2001 Kentucky quarter. Dan was a former editor of the Richmond Register and he was also the co-founder and publisher of The Bardstonian, a magazine devoted to life in Bardstown that was published from 2007 – 2010.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Dewey Bennett; his stepfather, J.W. Stiles; and a stepbrother, William Stiles.

He is survived by his faithful companion, Tuxedo; his mother, Mary Ann Stiles; one sister, Darla Henely and her husband Ken, both of Charles City, Iowa; one brother, David Bennett of Port Charlotte, Fla.; one step-sister, Sandy Begley and her husband Garnett, both of Kankakee, Ill.; one niece; three nephews; their families, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and scores of dear friends in Bardstown.

The funeral is 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Manton. The Rev. Chris Allegra and Dr. Rick Loader will officiate. No visitation was chosen, and burial will be in Charles City, Iowa, on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may go toward a bench in memory of Daniel D. Bennett.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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