Dr. Brenton L. Bennett, 52, of Emporia died Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Newman Regional Health, Emporia.

Brenton was born on September 11, 1963, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Richard L. and Rose Marie Culver Bennett.

He married Jennifer Thurmon on August 17, 1986 in Wellington, Missouri. Together they had three children: Erica, Maryann, and Larkin. They later divorced.

Brenton lived a life that was full of love, laughter, and adventure. He was a graduate of Wentworth Military Academy, Baker University, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. After school, he joined the family practice and was a dentist for over 27 years.

He faithfully served his community through the Friends of the Zoo, 4-H Shooting Sports, and Flint Hills District Dental Society. He was a dedicated volunteer with the Kansas Mission of Mercy, helping thousands of Kansans receive free dental treatment each year. Brenton was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emporia.

Brenton is survived by his son, Larkin Bennett of Sioux City, Iowa; daughters, Erica Bennett-McCabe and husband Ryan of Lawrence, and Maryann Peak and husband Zeb of Emporia; father, Dr. Richard L. Bennett of Emporia; brother, Brandon Bennett and wife Wendy of Atlanta, Georgia; sister, Margann Bennett and husband Jeff White of Lawrence; nieces and nephews, Annie Bennett, Kendall Bennett, John Bennett, Evan White, and Dru White; loving partner Rhonda Weatherbie of Emporia; ex-wife Jennifer Bennett of Emporia. He is preceded in death by his mother Rose Marie Rosie Bennett.

Nothing brought Brenton more happiness than spending time with his three kids. Whenever he could sneak away from the office (although he rarely wanted to be away for long), Brenton loved to spend his days on long motorcycle rides with Rhonda, surrounded by the beauty of the Flint Hills. He was an avid hunter and an outdoor sports enthusiast.

Whether dressing up as an elf for the Zoo Christmas Lighting, or cheering on the Hornets, Brenton’s love for the Emporia community was clear. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 10:30 A.M., at the First United Methodist Church in Emporia. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Thursday night at the church. Following the service, there will be a private family burial at the Blakely Cemetery in Madison.

The family requests no flowers. Please direct all memorials to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo, Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation (for Kansas Mission of Mercy), or Wade’s Ride. These memorials can be sent in care of the funeral home.