Franklin "Buck" Bennett

Franklin "Buck" Bennett, 82, of Frostburg, MD, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Buck was born on March 20, 1943, and lived a full and meaningful life dedicated to his family, community, and the things he loved most. A 1961 graduate of Valley High School, he dedicated 45 years to Westvaco while proudly serving in the U.S. Army Reserve before enjoying a well-deserved retirement.

Buck was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda (Bean) Bennett; his brother, James Bennett; and his sister, Mary Louise (Bennett) Grumbine.

He is survived by his son, Roger, and his wife, Lois; his daughter, Angie, and her partner, Christopher Truszkowski; his granddaughter, Sam Bennett; and his granddaughter, Andy, and her husband, Cameron Gibbner.

Buck was blessed to share the last three years of his life with his devoted wife, Elaine (Kroll), who brought him great comfort and companionship. Through his marriage to Elaine, Buck's family expanded to include her children and grandchildren, all of whom he welcomed into his heart with great joy.

Elaine's children became Buck's cherished stepchildren: Chuck Clise and his wife Mandy, and Carrie (Clise) Sheinfeld and her husband Brian. Buck also embraced his step-grandchildren: Charlie Clise and his special friend Skylar Stewart, Beth Clise, Morgan and Devon Blank, and Rachel and Julia Sheinfeld.

Buck is also survived by his sister, Eleanor (Bennett) Cameron; four brothers: Edward and his wife Sandra, Richard and his wife Kay, Vanderbilt "Buddy," and Donald and his wife Diane; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A passionate baseball fan and avid golfer, Buck was never one to sit still. He treasured his friendships forged through weekly bowling, golf, and volleyball leagues, always active and on the go until the very end. Some of his most cherished memories came from his years as a Boy Scout Troop leader and coaching baseball and softball for Roger and Angie, where his love for spending time with his family and mentoring young people truly shone.

Buck was a faithful member of the Christian Fellowship Church in Frostburg and lived his life with integrity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Buck's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his dedication to family, service to others, and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 PM at Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Midland. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Chris Skidmore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a memorial donation to the Shaft Volunteer Fire Department at 19303 Shaft Rd., Frostburg, MD 21532 or the Christian Fellowship Church, c/o Paul Coakley at 12001 Emmettdale Lane SW, Frostburg, MD 21532.