Jerry Gene Bennett was born on July 17, 1939, to Charlie and Velma Bennett in Russelville, Arkansas, He joined siblings Billy Bennett, Betty Bennett (Colvin), and Patsy Bennett (Merriott)

When Jerry was a young boy, his family moved to California, settling in the Huron area. He attended school there and later finished his schooling at Coalinga High School.

Jerry met Mary Scrivner, the love of his life while in Coalinga. They married in 1961 right before he was enlisted in the Army and stationed in Alaska. He ran heavy equipment and built roads while he was in the army and this would be the catalyst of his long career in the construction field.

After he left the Army, Jerry and Mary settled in Coalinga California where they welcomed three daughters, Rebecca, Starla, and Alicia.

Jerry worked for Al Folsom Rock before landing a job building the San Luis reservoir where he met many lifelong friends, He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local #3.

Jerry began working for the OE Local #3 in Fresno and later his career would move the family to Modesto, Reno, then back to Fresno County where he stayed.

Jerry commuted for several years to the bay area when he was in organizing and then appointed President of the Operating Engineers.

His retirement brought him to Laton California where he enjoyed running his tractor, storytelling in his shop, and spending time with his family and many friends. He was a member of the Cumorah Riders and took his horse on camping trips and river rides. He also looked forward to his annual guy's trip to Dinkey Creek. He was Papa to not only his grandkids but also, to their friends. Even in retirement he still attended union picnics, golf tournaments, and meetings.

With his sons-in law he shared a love of race cars, rodeos, and telling tall tales around campfires with a bottle of Crown.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Mary, his three daughters and sons-in-Iaw, Rebecca and Jeff Cisneros, Starla and Brian Botelho, Alicia and Bruce Negri. Seven surviving grandchildren, Zachary Cisneros, Sydnee Cisneros Rubio, and Mia Cisneros, Blake Henry, Nathan Negri, Nicolas Negri, and Cambria Negri. Five great grandchildren, Annabelle Cisneros, Ellie Cisneros, Bennett Cisneros, Luca Negri and Tatiana Negri.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Jordan Bennett Henry.