Oklahoma State University Athletics
A.L. Bennett Passes Away
June 26, 2008 | General
Born Feb. 20, 1924, to Bess and Pleas Bennett in Heavener, Okla., Bennentt's early years were spent in Oklahoma and East Texas. He attended high school in Holdenville, Okla., where he helped lead his basketball team to the state Championship in 1942. He received an invitation from Mr. Iba, at Oklahoma A&M, to try out for the basketball team. This began a lifetime love and commitment to Oklahoma State University.
After his freshman year, Bennett volunteered for the army and was sent to Eastern Kentucky State University for a ASTP training. It was there that he met the love of his life, Blanche Napier. At the time of his death, they were married for 64 years and together enjoyed family and friends.
Bennett was assigned to the 14th Armored Division serving under General George Patton. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, at which time he was wounded, earning him the Purple Heart. He served as platoon leader in the 19th Armored Infantry.
After World War II, he and Blanche returned to Oklahoma A&M where he was a starter on the 1946 NCAA Championship team. He was subsequently named an All-American in 1946 and 1947 and was also chosen as the captain of the West All-Star team in the East/West All-Star game of 1947.
After graduation, Bennett turned down several professional basketball offers, electing to follow his good friend, Bob Kurland, to play for the Phillips 66ers, an AAU team. He worked for Phillips 66 Petroleum for 18 years. He retired after 18-1/2 years as vice-president of Williams Pipeline Company in Tulsa.
Bennett was on the planning committee of the Gallagher-Iba Arena renovation, and was inducted into the Oklahoma State Hall of Honor. He was chosen by Bill Connors, the late sports editor of the Tulsa World, as one of the six most outstanding players of the Mr. Iba era. He continued a strong relationship with Mr. Iba throughout his life, and served as an honorary pall bearer at his funeral.
Bennett is survived by his wife, Blanche, his daughter Carol and her husband, David Sollars; his son, A.L., Jr. and his wife, Terri; granddaughters, Jana, Jennifer and Julie; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 26, at Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st in Tulsa (918-291-3500), from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friends are invited to attend the memorial service on Friday, June 27 at 2 p.m. at Yale Avenue Christian Church, 36th and Yale Ave. Honorary contributions may be made in memory of Bennett to the Oklahoma Alzheimer's Association or St. Francis Hospice.
