Melvin Ranck Bennett was born in Altoona, Blair County, Pennsylvania, on June 11, 1912, the son of David I. and Cora Agnes Ranck Bennett. On April 17, 1942, he married in Altoona to Elizabeth A. Fleig, daughter of Albert W. and Nelle Bathurst Fleig. It would appear that Melvin and Elizabeth had no children.


Obituary for Melvin Ranck Bennett from the Altoona Mirror of Tuesday, June 30, 1998:

"Melvin R. 'Mel' Bennett, 86, Altoona RD, formerly of Roaring Spring, died unexpectedly Monday morning, June 29, 1998, at Altoona RD of a heart attack. He was born June 11, 1912, in Altoona, the son of David I. and Cora A. (Ranck) Bennett. He married Elizabeth A. Fleig April 17, 1942, in Altoona. Mr. Bennett was a member of First Church of the Brethren and attended Riggles Gap Bible Church. He was a music supervisor in the Roaring Spring School district. He also taught music in Warren County. He retired in 1975 after 34 years of service. Mr. Bennett was a graduate of Altoona High School and a graduate of Juniata College with a bachelor's of science degree in music education. He received his master's degree from Penn State University. He enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, gardening and practicing music. Mr. Bennett was an Army veteran of World War II, serving as a technician fourth grade from August, 1942 to January, 1946, with the 78th Infantry Division in Europe. He also played in the band. He was a member of Woodbury Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Altoona Consistory, Jaffa Temple, where he served as director of the Jaffa Oriental Band from 1968 to 1973, and later was director of the Jaffa Shrine Band. Surviving is his wife. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Broad Avenue."


Funeral notice for Melvin Ranck Bennett from the Altoona Mirror of Tuesday, June 30, 1998:

"BENNETT--Services for Melvin R. 'Mel' Bennett of Altoona RD will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue, by Pastor Robert C. Burge. Interment at Alto-Reste Park. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. until the time of services Thursday at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue. In remembrance of Melvin R. Bennett, those who wish may make contributions to Jaffa Shrine Band or Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, c/o Jaffa Temple, P. O. Box 1984, Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16603. Preceded in death by a brother, Robert Bennett."