Bennett James Rader

NORWALK — Bennett James Rader, 73, Norwalk, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021, in Avon, Ohio. He was born May 11, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Ralph B. and Lucile (White) Rader. Ben graduated from Cardinal High School in Geauga County. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Education at Kent State University and a Master's Degree from Ashland University. Ben was a district librarian at Union Local School District for four years. He then worked for 34 years at Willard City Schools, where he was a librarian, computer and history teacher. He also took tickets at basketball games and was an Academic Challenge advisor for many years. Ben was actively involved in several writing groups. He was happy to share his love of Haiku and other forms of poetry when he helped to instruct classes and perform. He was also a member of the Willard Lions Club and the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge. He was also an early member of Mrs. Hudson's Lodgers, a Sherlock Holmes Society, in Cleveland, Ohio. Bennett was an involved grandpa, and leaves behind a legacy of his love for books and creativity. He is survived by his wife, Willa (Holt) Rader of Norwalk; children, Elizabeth Hodge, Heather Rader and James Rader; grandchildren, Valick Conley, Arabella Hodge, Serenity Sigler, Charlotte Sigler, Lyla Zyski and Dalton Rader; sister-in-law, Norma Kolb; nieces, Lynn Kolb and Lisa Kolb; nephew, David (Beth) Kolb; a great-niece, Maddie Kolb; and great-nephew, Will Kolb. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Betty Lou Rader; and his grandson, Gage Conley. A celebration of his life will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2021 at the Norwalk Masonic Hall. Arrangements entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.