Gale William Bennett, 79, formerly of Nolanville, Texas, went to his eternal home on June 12, 2026, in Abilene, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 13th, 2026, at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene, Texas.

Gale was born on December 30, 1946, in Gardner, Illinois, to Archie Bennett and Maurine (Blake) Bennett.

While serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Gale met the love of his life, Yen Lan. They were married on November 3, 1969, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Before their marriage, Yen Lan had two daughters, Thu Thuy Tran and Thu Tran Porter, whom Gale lovingly welcomed into his family. Together, Gale and Yen Lan were blessed with four sons: Norman and Laurence, born in 1969; Anthony, born in 1974; and David, born in 1979.

In 1995, Gale and Yen Lan adopted their beloved grandson, Minh Sang Vo Bennett (1988-1997). They lovingly cared for him throughout his courageous battle with leukemia until his passing in 1997, a testament to their unwavering devotion and compassion.

During his distinguished 21-year military career, Gale proudly served his country, including service during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Desert Shield. He was a mechanic for Vulcan Air Defense Systems and helicopters. He loved his country and was deeply proud of his military service. His military assignments took him and his family around the world, including Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Carson, Colorado; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas; and Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) in Killeen, Texas, where he retired. Gale briefly worked in real estate during his retirement. Gale and Yen Lan remained in the Killeen area until 2022, when they moved to Abilene to be closer to family. Throughout every move, Gale remained a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and leader, providing his family with strength, stability, and unwavering love.

A lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind, Gale was a self-taught innovator who was always reading, exploring new ideas, and finding better ways to solve problems. Whether tackling a complex construction project or crafting something with his hands in his woodworking shop, he found joy in creating and building. No project was ever too large or too small if it meant improving the lives of those he loved. His quiet strength, strong work ethic, generosity, and commitment to his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

Gale was preceded in death by his wife, Yen Lan Bennett; his parents, Archie and Maurine Bennett, of Thousand Oaks and Oceanside, California; his brother, Phillip Taylor, and Phillip's wife, Sarah, of Thousand Oaks, California; his sister, Alyssa Bennett, of Killeen, Texas; his brother-in-law, Andrew "Dave" Davis, of Joliet, Illinois; his daughter, Thu Thuy Le, of Vietnam; his grandson, Minh Sang Vo Bennett, of Kempner, Texas; and his nephew, Brett Taylor, of Thousand Oaks, California.

He is survived by his sisters, Margaret Bennett and Kathleen Biersteker of Oceanside, California, and Rosalie Davis of Joliet, Illinois; a son-in-law, one daughter, four sons, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His son-in-law, Tung Chinh Le (who was the husband of Thu Thuy Le before her passing) resides in Vietnam with their daughters, Ngoc Phuong Le and Thanh Thao Le. His daughter, Thu Tran Porter, of Temple, Texas, who is the mother of Thuy Lien "Mimi" Vo and her husband, Ryan, of Austin, Texas as well as Pretty "Patricia" Vo of Denver, Colorado, and Kevin Tran of Odessa, Texas. "Mimi" is the mother of Gale's three great-grandchildren: Manny, Mia, and Lana. His son, Norman Bennett, and his wife, Barbi, reside in Crane, Texas. His son, Laurence Bennett, and his fiancée, Leslie Alexander, reside in Naples, Florida. His son, Anthony Bennett, and his wife, Erin, reside in Abilene, Texas, with their sons, Andrew and Eli. His son, David Bennett, and his wife, Bao Huyen Tran, reside in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with their sons, William and Lucas.

Gale was also blessed with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Tan Ngoi Tran and his wife, Hum Son, of Vietnam; Truc Quynh Tran and her husband, Steven Tran, of Katy, Texas; Lan Anh Tran of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Jeff Taylor, of Thousand Oaks, California.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers who supported Gale throughout his final years, including the staff of Lyndale Assisted Living; Dr. David Randell and his nurse, Tammy; Dr. Samuel Brinkman and his assistant, Vickie; physical therapist Erin Brannon of Enhabit Home Health; the staff of Northern Oaks Nursing Home; and Angie Chacon, along with the nurses and staff of Hendrick Hospice Care, whose kindness and exceptional care brought comfort to Gale and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice in Gale's honor.