Raymond Bentley

Raymond Bentley

October 1, 1927 – October 13, 2022

 

Raymond D. Bentley, age 95 was a WWII veteran. Raymond (“Ray”) was surrounded by loved ones when he was called home to be with the Lord on October 13, 2022.

Ray was born on October 1, 1927 in Clinton, Iowa, born to Raymond and Mabel Bentley, who proceeded him in death. Ray graduated from Weldon High School in Weldon, IA, then left to serve his country in both the United States Army and United States Navy.

During his tour in the United States Navy, he participated in WWII in the Pacific serving in Korea, China and Japan where he worked on several destroyer escort ships including the USS George, USS Raby, USS Mitchell, USS Bristol and the USS Noble. While in the United States Army, he served within the US borders and in Alaska before it was a named a State.

Ray received the Korean Service Medal, China Service Medal and the United Nations Medal as commendations during his military service.

Ray moved to Quincy, IL in 1950 where he worked for 35 years at Gardner Denver as a Tool & Die Maker. This is where he met his wife of fifty years, Nadine (Mealy) Bentley. Ray and Nadine eventually retired and moved to Branson, MO where they spent a lot of time fishing and relaxing. Faith was an important part of their lives, and they were actively involved in their church, Friendly Baptist Church.

Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Joann Tibbetts, who passed in December of 1971. Ray married Nadine Mealy in July 1972, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Ray is survived by his four children: Debra and her husband Rich Davis, Donna and her husband Dallas Deege, Brian and his wife Violet Bentley, and Karen Green. Ray is preceded in death by his son George Bentley.

Ray had seven grandchildren: Darin and his wife Kim Deege, Deana and her husband Jim Lieberman, Alan and his wife Julie Davis, Tony Davis, Amanda and her husband Ethan Allen, Priscilla and her husband Joe Sardin, and JR Green.

Ray also has twelve great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Ray will be missed dearly. His family will cherish all the memories of his life.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Bear Creek Baptist Church, 5901 N. Fry Road, Katy TX 77449.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ray’s honor to Friendly Baptist Church, Branson MO https://www.friendlybaptistbranson.com/