Jonesboro- Lafayette L. Bennett, 89, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016 at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center. He was born May 3, 1926 in Jonesboro to the late Homer and Clara Tannehill Bennett. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Bennett spent two years pitching for a minor league baseball team in Texas. Mr. Bennett retired from Craighead Electric after twenty-seven years. He was a member of the Walnut Street Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for many years. He enjoyed deer hunting, gardening and spending time with his family. He was an avid Cardinals baseball fan. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Wood Bennett; a daughter and her husband, Marcia and Collin Elder of Jonesboro; two sisters, Geraldine Brewer and Betty Trammell both of Jonesboro; two grandchildren, Micah Putman and husband Rhyne of New Orleans and Bryan Elder of Jonesboro; a great-grandson, Bennett "Ben" Putman. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Curtis Bennett, Cecil Bennett and Robert L. "Tommy" Bennett and a sister, Grace Wiles. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Walnut Street Baptist Church with Dr. Rhyne Putman and Dr. Glen Putman officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Murphy Bennett, Charles Layne, Phillip Gay, Danny Flemon, Jim Gillis and Larry Dunkerson and as honorary pallbearers, Fishers Sunday School Class and employees and retirees of Craighead Electric. Lasting memorials may be sent to Walnut Street Baptist Church.