John Bengel Jr.

1937 - 2025

John Bengel, Jr.

April 11, 1937 - October 3, 2025

John Francis Bengel, Jr., age 88, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Barbara Hatley Bengel; their six children, Terri Bethel (Alvin), Johnny Bengel (Sara), Scott Bengel (Cris), Kelly Bengel (Bruce), Patty Whitten (Glynn), and Kenny Bengel (Susan); his brother, Tommy Bengel (Sharyn) and nephew and niece, Tommy and Jennifer Bengel; and sister-in-law, June Tinsley and nieces, Karen Frank and Kerri Vipperman. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Harrison and Emma Whitten, Chandler Farmer (Brandon), Landon Bethel, Lily and Jack Bengel, and Daniel Vaughan; one great-grandchild, Tripp Layne Farmer. He was predeceased by his loving parents, John and Myrtle Bengel; and nephew, Mark Tinsley.

John grew up in Richmond and graduated from John Marshall High School. John spent 27 years in sales with Colgate-Palmolive Company. After his corporate years, he combined his craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit to create and run the Ashland Turkey Shoot for 38 years. His work was nationally known in the industry, and people travelled from all over the East Coast to attend his matches.

A talented craftsman, John built specialized gun barrels with innovation, skill, and precision, serving the turkey shoot clientele across North America. He built quite the reputation as the best in the business for what he did. He was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and ability to make any stranger laugh and feel comfortable. His stories were larger than life.

John loved his family – he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a great mentor and teacher. He shared his wisdom (and opinions) with all of us.

John loved the outdoors: trout fishing at the Tye River, pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota, fishing Lake Ontario, deer hunting in Kansas, and duck hunting in Back Bay.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, Va. Family and friends are invited to share stories and celebrate the life of a man whose humor will live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation: https://www.cbf.org