Eighty-three
year-old braves two
surgical procedures


By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – While Marshall County Hospital has been serving patients in the area for more than four decades, patient service at their new facility has just begun.

And Calvert City resident Roy Bennett has the distinction of being the first.

Bennett is a World War II veteran, teacher and former high school principal, and these days, all around repairman.

So when it comes to being in need of repair himself, Bennett said he entrusts his health care to Marshall County Hospital.

Bennett recently underwent two surgical procedures; a colonoscopy and subsequent colon resection after tests confirmed the presence of a tumor.

The colonoscopy was performed at the old hospital’s facility located on McClain Drive.

Bennett was then transported by the Marshall County Ambulance Service, along with numerous other hospital patients, to the new facility where the colon resection procedure was performed.

“Roy was the first patient to be operated on in this new facility,” said Barb Randall, director of surgery for the hospital.

“We moved all of our vital equipment on Sunday and were ready for surgery Monday morning.”

Bennett’s surgeon, Dr. Robert Beale, reports his patient’s surgery went well and without complication.

Bennett said he rested comfortably in his private patient room where his wife Lucille stayed by his side.

The couple says they are thankful for the care Bennett received at the new hospital and complimented staff on their attentive manner.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett say they enjoy keeping busy, and even in their 80’s, still work building custom decks and signage for real estate companies. “It keeps us young,” Bennett confesses with a grin.

But the real secret to living long, happy and healthy lives, Roy said, is living without alcohol or tobacco and most importantly– “living a Christian life.”

The couple will be celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary in April.

Bennett was hospitalized for a little over a week and is home resting comfortably.