Charles Bennett has Died. He was 92.

Consider the recent obituaries that have caught the nation’s attention in the last week:
First Charles Bronson, he was an actor.
Next, John Ritter, actor, son of country singer Tex Ritter.
Then Johnny Cash, country singer, peer of Elvis.

Now consider the life of Florida congressman Charles Bennet. In 1942 he quit his law practice to join the Army. He led Filipino guerillas behind Japanese lines. He won a Silver Star. He walked with two canes for the rest of his life.

He returned to civilian life and refused every penny of his disability pension. He some books on local history.

He was elected to Congress in 1948. He never missed a vote for forty years. He thought it was his duty to represent his district. He was known as “Mr. Clean.” He sponsored legislation to create the House Ethics Committee. He served as its first chairman.

He sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bob Dole said it was the most important law he had ever voted on.

He retired to care for his wife after she had a stroke. They were married for fifty years.

He was 92…___

Charles Ritter?

Well, dying young is more newsworth than dying old. Everyone dies eventually, and 92 isn’t bad.

I was looking for the coincidences to continue…

Charles Bronson, Actor
John Ritter, Actor, son of Tex Ritter
Johnny Cash, Singer, appeared on Tex Ritter’s show at the beginning of his career.
Charles Ritter, father of both Charles Bronson and Tex Ritter?

Typo…

Charles Bennett. The effects of homemade wine.

Well, we can agree that he did some extremely important stuff, and that he led a fine life, worthy as an example to us all.

But I never heard of him until now. Thanks for mentioning him, at least.

William Quigley died recently, too. He’s the guy who put in the last section of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.