Carl Bentley

Carl Gene Bentley passed on May 28, 2021, at the age of 75, in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his family after a tremendous battle with cancer in recent years. Despite the pain, Carl showed his true courage and strength until the very end.

Carl was born November 14, 1945 to Willy and Vena (Bowman) Bentley in Artesia, New Mexico, the youngest of four children. As a young man, Carl made his way to California where he met and eventually married his wife, Valerie (Martin) Bentley in 1967. Carl was employed in the automotive and trucking industry, where he worked as an extremely gifted body and paint man, and taught his children the importance of hard work and determination.

Carl was known by many names—Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Bandit, Hot Stuff and Bentley—but most of all, he was a hero to his sons and a loving protector and partner to his wife. He always met each new day with a good sense of humor and a smile.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents Willy and Vena Bentley; his brothers, Billy and James Bentley; and his grandson, Dylan Givargiznia.

Carl is survived by his adoring wife of nearly 54 years, Valerie, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; along with his children, Carl Bentley, Jr. of Mountain Grove; Branden Bentley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Stephanie Lyon of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; a sister, Diane Pearson of Madill, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Kayla Schipper and Peyton, Ryder, Coltyn, and Elyjah Lyon, of Oshkosh; daughter-in-law, Olivia Bentley of Tulsa; son-in-law, Michael Lyon of Oshkosh; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.