Thomas Edward Bentley, Jr.

Thomas Edward Bentley, Jr

October 31, 1949 - May 21, 2025

Thomas Edward "Tom" Bentley, Jr. of Poncha Springs, Colorado, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Memorial Central Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO following a brief illness. He was 75 years old.

Tom was born on October 31, 1949 in Gideon, Missouri, the eldest son of Thomas Edward Bentley, Sr. and Josephine (Vance) Bentley. His life was shaped early on by the deep sense of purpose, determination and grit that comes from a family legacy of farming.

Tom graduated from high school in Hughes, Arkansas, in 1967, and attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business and economics and subsequently pursued a professional career in finance and accounting.

It was also at Hendrix where he met the love of his life, Deborah (Cook) Bentley. They were married on May 6, 1972 and together forged a beautiful partnership that lasted more than 53 years, and ultimately brought them to Colorado to achieve their lifelong dream of living among the aspen and with mountains in perpetual view.

Tom was proud to serve his country as a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard. He retired as a Captain after more than 20 years of honorable service and was privileged to serve alongside the fine men of the 206th Field Artillery, 39th Brigade.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Tom knows that he had great passion for his family, his friends, and for making the most out of the one precious life we have all been given. In addition to camping among the most beautiful places on this earth, Tom loved great food, soulful music, a respectable campfire, and the peace of an oceanside. But perhaps most of all, Tom loved a good story told, and his loved ones will treasure the laughs and memories borne out of this passion.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Josephine, and his brother James Vance Bentley.

Those left to cherish Tom's memory are his loving wife, Debbie, and their children Thomas Edward (Ward) Bentley III and Rebecca (Maher) Bentley of Midland, MI; Christopher Bryant Bentley and Marna (McEuen) Bentley of Charlottesville, VA, and his grandson, Cade Bryant Bentley. Also treasuring Tom's memory are his loyal brother John Michael Bentley and wife Charlotte (Harris) Bentley; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who became family over the many rich years of Tom's life.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the those wanting to honor Tom's legacy are encouraged to consider contributions to Ark Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista, CO; First Presbyterian Church in Salida, CO; or the American Cancer Society.