Top-secret soldier took to the cowboy life
Bennett Browning “Mac” McCutcheon passed away peacefully April 25, 2026, at his Queen Creek home. At his bedside was his devoted and loving wife, Judy, to whom he was happily married for 34 years to the day.
Bennett was born September 27, 1931, in Pecos, Texas. The son of a cattle rancher, Bennett lived a colorful, nomadic adolescent life growing up in places such as Tubac, Arizona; Toluca, Mexico; Sante Fe, New Mexico; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and the greater Phoenix area.
As a testament to his modesty and self-deprecating humor, Bennett was probably more cowboy than most, yet he never considered himself a cowboy, saying that such status would be an insult to real cowboys.
Bennett enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, attached to the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Squadron at Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya. The 580th was some sort of specialized CIA top-secret-take-to-the-grave (mission accomplished, Dad), unconventional warfare group that partook in clandestine psychological operations.
Upon return from Libya, Bennett attended ASU and U of A to earn his teaching and counseling credentials. For the next 36 years he taught English, English as a second language, coached football and was a guidance counselor within the Phoenix Unified High School District. During summer breaks he would often work with his sons as a construction laborer.
In retirement, Bennett and Judy became snowbirds between Queen Creek, Arizona, and Walsenburg, Colorado. At both residences, and for as long as he was physically able, Bennett displayed at dawn and took down at dusk the American flag of which he was so proud.
Bennett remained an avid reader, a wordsmith, handball player and volunteer for numerous food banks. During the holidays he could often be seen standing outside of convenience stores ringing the bell for the needy. He quietly took on numerous and laborious renovation projects at the aging Walsenburg church. At 86-years of age, Bennett was baptized into Christianity.
Bennett hoped to leave this world better than when he first found it. “No man crosses the same river twice, because the river has changed, and so has the man.” —Heraclitus
Bennett is survived by wife Judy; children Bennett Jr. (Michelle), Victoria, Patrick (Natalie), Dominick (Jill); and grandchildren Lauren, Ben, Angela, Julie, David and Amy.
Please make donations to any hospice facility.