Paul Andrew Bennett

Paul Andrew Bennett, age 84, a resident of New Port Richey, Florida and of Philippi, WV, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey after a period of declining health. Paul was born on September 27, 1940, in Newburg, a son of James A. and Ethel F. (Shipp) Bennett. Paul was united in marriage on June 15, 1963, to the love of his life Alma Jean (Muncy) Bennett.

Paul served on active duty in the US Air Force from 1958-1962 and in the Air Force Reserve until 1964. He later attended West Virginia University where he earned a doctorate in education. Paul taught at Alderson-Broaddus College from 1975 until his retirement in 2000, where he chaired the Department of Health Sciences. Paul later served as CEO of Southern Highland Community Mental Health Center in Princeton, WV.

Paul was a member of the Bigelow Lodge # 52 AF & AM, and the Osiris Shriners, for which he often volunteered to transport children to the children’s hospitals in Erie, Louisville, and other locations. Paul was also a member of the Elks Chapter in Princeton, WV and Crim Memorial United Methodist Church in Philippi. Paul was widely known for his generosity, often helping those in need anonymously, never wanting any recognition for his contributions.

Paul is survived by his dear wife, Alma, his son, Jason, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents James and Ethel Bennett; sisters Thelma Bennett, Ada Savino, Madeleine Bennett, Janis Geho, Judy Bohon; brothers Hubert, James “Bud”, Walter “Don”, Harold, and Emerson Bennett.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Paul’s memory to Shriners Children’s Processing Center, PO Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Monday June 9, from 5-8 pm. Tuesday friends will be received at the Crim Memorial United Methodist Church 78 Pike Street, from 12-1 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm in the Church Sanctuary with Pastor Sam Haught officiating. Interment will follow in the Shay’s Chapel Cemetery in Newburg, with the Bigelow Lodge #52 AF & AM conducting graveside rites, also the US Air Force and American Legion Post #96 conducting military honors.