Claude ‘Captain Butch’ Bennett, loved sports fishing

Claude "Captain Butch" Bennett, 61, of Frederica, passed away Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born Sunday, Nov. 28, 1954, in Wilmington, son of the late Richard J. and Nancy (Day) Bennett.

Claude was born and raised in Wilmington and was a graduate of Christiana High School, after which he began a lifelong career in the sport fishing industry. He worked for Sun Marine in Selbyville for several years, and was a private captain for countless boats, fishing up and down the coast over the years. A very accomplished and respected fisherman, he loved tournaments and won numerous competitions, including the White Marlin Open.

He also enjoyed surf fishing, the Redskins, and NASCAR. Claude was known as a fun guy; he always had a smile on his face and was usually laughing about something. He was an adventurer and traveler, and he loved camping with his kids. Claude was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother and friend, who will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him.

In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by his brother, James R. Bennett.

He is survived by his son, Toby Bennett and his wife Lexi, of Wilmington; his daughters, Keri Pottratz and her husband York, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Claudia Burns and her husband Don of Paso Robles, Calif.; his brother, Richard J. Bennett Jr. and his wife Sue of Florence, S.C.; his sisters, Nancy High and her husband Clifford of Glasgow, and JoAlice Casapulla and her fiance Bobby Whited of Millsboro; and his grandchildren: Willow, Madison, Wyland, and Ronan.

A Celebration of Claude's Life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Claude's memory to inlandbays.org.

Please visit Claude's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.