The funeral has taken place of a Penryn man who has died at the age of 94.    

Martin Bennett was born on a remote farm in Western Australia and grew up there with his two sisters, until, when he was nine, his father died and they came back to be with family at Perranwell. 

When he was called up for war service in 1942 at the age of 18, he was sent to South Africa to work on maintaining Harvard Aircraft. 

After the war, he returned to his work on the railways of Cornwall, holding the position of the last Station Master at Penryn, but also working in the stations at Truro, Perranwell and Redruth.   

In 1954 he married Myra (Abraham) and they had 62 happy years together until her death in 2016.   

For many years, Martin volunteered with St John Ambulance, helping locally at events, at the Gateway Club and transporting patients. 

He was a keen supporter of local sports, enjoyed amateur dramatics, and was president of the Mabe Ladies Choir, of which Myra was conductor for many years. 

Above all though, it was the Methodist Church which was the important part of his life. 

He served in many roles within Penryn Methodist Church and the wider circuit.  He had been able to attend services most Sundays up until last Christmas. 

He was pleased to be able to live independently at home in West End, Penryn, until the last few weeks of his life.

Mr Bennett had support from family, church members, Alexandra Nursing, and the staff of Penryn Surgery, for which he was always very grateful. 

Following a short time in hospital, he died peacefully in Falmouth Hospital on January 27. 

Martin left four children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.   

His Thanksgiving service was held following cremation, at Penryn Methodist Church, and was conducted by former Minister, Rev Colin Emerson, and present Minister, Rev Robbie Bowen. 

The reading was given by his daughter, Gillian Collins, the Eulogy was given by son and daughter, Simon and Bridget Bennett, and reflection by daughter-in-law Morwenna Bennett. 

The organ was played by his grandson Matthew Collins.