Richard "Clarke" Bennett, 81 of California, MD died June 28, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 17, 1932 in Lincoln, NE to the late Richard Owen Bennett and Eleanor Thomas Bennett.

On September 12, 1953, Clarke married his beloved wife, Joanne Camilla Bennett at St. Pascals Church in Chicago, IL. Together they enjoyed 59 wonderful years of marriage.

He proudly served in the United States Army from November 17, 1955 to October 15, 1957 as a Specialist III in the 532nd Artillery Battalion. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State and his Master's degree from Yale University.

He was a dedicated employee of the Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer for 40 years until he retired in 1994 from his position as Director, Office of Highway Safety in the Federal Highway Administration.

He was an avid wood worker, crafting beautiful cabinetry, quilt racks and what-not boxes. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and Switzerland. His hobbies included cheering on the Redskins, golfing and taking cruises. He was a member of NARFE and the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE).

In addition to his wife, Clarke is survived by their children, Sheryl Pearson (Roger) of Waldorf, MD, Kathy Bennett (Mike Bean) of Callaway, MD, Mark Bennett of Lorrane, OR, Theresa Pearson (Mark) of St. Leonard, MD and Matthew Bennett of Austin, TX; his brother, Marc Bennett of Berkley Springs, WV; and his grandchildren, Kaitlin Bean, Christopher Bean, David Pearson, Shannon Pearson and George Workman.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Family will receive friends for Clarke's Life Celebration on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service celebrated by Kent Bennett at 7:00 p.m., at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be held on July 10, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the Alzheimers Association, Southern Maryland Office, P.O. Box 1889, LaPlata, MD 20646.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.