Melvin Eugene Bentley

Honoring The Journey of Gene Bentley

Melvin Eugene Bentley, age 61, of Van Buren, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Melvin was born on March 21, 1964, in Van Buren, Arkansas, to Melvin Bentley and Patricia Ann (Brasuell) Smith. He was a dedicated and hardworking employee of Simmons Foods, where he served in refrigerator maintenance. Melvin took pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic and reliability.

On August 22, 1997, Melvin married the love of his life, Deborah Cunningham, at the Fayetteville Square in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Together they shared twenty-eight years of marriage and built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and family. They were blessed with eight children and eighteen grandchildren. Melvin loved his family deeply and treasured every moment spent together. Fishing and riding motorcycles were among his favorite pastimes, and those who knew him well will always remember his jokes, playful pranks, and ornery sense of humor. Strong-willed and outspoken, Melvin was never shy about sharing his opinions, but his family loved him all the more for it.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Bentley; his children, Ann and Robert Lindsey, Priscilla and Chris Rogers, Tiara and Justin Seaton, Justin Plauger, Ray and Trinity Plauger, Shawnna Bentley, Zack Bentley, and Kendra Bentley; and his grandchildren, Lexi and Bo Lindsey, Gavin and Hayley Robinson, Braxton Rogers, Aliviah and Aaliyah Seaton, Julius White, Ariah and Nova Seaton, Forrest, Amberlee, River, Raelynne, Kawliga Plauger, and Aliyah and Roman Limore. He is also survived by his father, Melvin Lee Bentley, and his brother, Tim Bentley. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Brasuell Smith; his stepmother, Ruby Bentley; brother Larry Ross and his granddaughter, Emmalin Kay Lindsey.

A Celebration of Life for Melvin will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at River Glenn Chapel, 1805 North A Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Melvin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him. Cremation is under the thoughtful care of River Glenn Cremation and Funeral Services.