Harold R. Bennett Ii

Harold “Hal” R Bennet II, 83, passed away in his home on May 17, 2024. A father, friend, mathematician, and professor, Harold was light-hearted, jolly, loved conversation, and never left you without a big hug. The youngest of five children, Harold was born to Harold R and Dwinna Smith Bennett on October 6, 1940, in Pocatello, Idaho. Starting at age 13, he began working summers at Union Pacific Railroad as a track spiker while his father worked in their office.

After graduating from Pocatello High, he attended Idaho State University graduating with a B.S. in 1963. His education continued at Arizona State University, receiving an M.A. in 1965 and his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1968. He began his career at Texas Tech in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics as an assistant professor in 1968 and was promoted to full professor in 1980. He held various academic positions until his retirement in 2021. Harold’s passion was his research in topology, logic, and set theory. Over the course of his career, he published over 100 academic research publications, many coauthored with his lifelong friend and colleague Dr. David Lutzer.

Harold was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was involved in his faith, serving in numerous callings, including as a counselor in a bishopric, on the high council, and a temple worker. He enjoyed endless hours reading and learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and the history of the Church, as well as being a friend and mentor to many in his community.

Harold enjoyed reading, solving mathematical problems, and being with friends and family. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, with whom he visited often, treasured time, and loved unconditionally.

Harold is survived by his children, Harold “Trey” of New York, New York; Chrissie of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Nancy (Blaine) Nelson of San Francisco, California; Becky (Troy) Tingey of San Jose, California; and grandchildren, Anna, Dasha, Max, Wes, Zoe, and Circe.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Harold and Dwinna, and his sisters, Dwinna Mary, Sally Barkdull, Nancy Wagstaff, and Jinny DeFoggi.

Funeral services for Harold will be Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 4:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3211 58th St, Lubbock, TX 79413.