Captain Robert W. Bennett, Jr.1948-2017Captain Robert Wesley Bennett, Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2017. CAPT Bennett was born on January 24,1948 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Robert W. Bennett, Sr, Major, USAF (Ret). and Betty Jespersen Bennett. As his parents were in the military, he travelled extensively, graduating from Frankfurt American High School in Germany. CAPT Bennett also achieved the distinction of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He graduated from West Florida College with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. He attended AOCS and was designated a Naval Flight Officer. In 1973 CAPT Bennett married Candace Dillard, of Ocala, Florida. CAPT Bennett was the Aide to the Commandant in New Orleans, LA. He transferred to the Turks and Caicos Islands, and then to Japan. In 1980 he attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, where he prepared for his tour at the French War College in Paris, France. Following Paris, he was assigned to Brunswick, ME, and next to Washington, DC. He was then selected to serve in Brussels, Belgium. In 1990 he transferred to TRARON Ten in Pensacola as XO. He assumed command in February, 1991. He transferred to Kami Seya, Japan as Chief Staff Officer in April, 1992. In 1994, CAPT Bennett served as Defense and Naval Attaché' to Peru. In July 1997, CAPT Bennett reported to CNET, Pensacola, FL. In November, 1997, he took command of Naval Station Rodman, Panama Canal, and Republic of Panama. CAPT Bennett was the last commander of Naval Station Rodman, turning the base over to Panama on 30 April, 1999. CAPT Bennett attended the National War College in Washington, DC, earning a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. His last duty station was in Pensacola as the Regional Business Manager. He retired January 11, 2002. CAPT Bennett's personal awards include: the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Peruvian Naval Cross, and had been designated as a sub specialist in the field of Antisubmarine Warfare and Personnel Management. CAPT Bennett was a designated Latin America Foreign Area Officer (FAO). Upon retirement, he and Candy settled in Pensacola, FL. CAPT Bennett is survived by: his wife, Candace (Dillard) Bennett, his siblings, Carol Lee (Bennett) Hinds (Charles), Barry Bennett (Kay), and Chris Bennett (Susan). Also surviving is his beloved cat, KiKi BonBon. CAPT Bennett's visitation will be at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 North New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL, on Thursday, January 19, from 5:00-7:00. The celebration of life will be at NAS Pensacola, Main Chapel, 280 Taylor Road, Pensacola Friday, January 20, 2017 at 11:30 am. Following will be a graveside service at Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, CAPT Bennett asked that donations be made to Fisher House. Donations may be made at www.http://donate.fisherhouse.org. Oak Lawn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits