Darrell G. Bentley, 65, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
He was born May 11, 1950, in Mammoth Spring, Ark., son of Glenn F. and Dorothy Davis Bentley.
He lost his birth mother at nine months old to scarlet fever. His father later remarried Mary East Bentley.
He spent his early years in Mammoth Spring, Ark., and his teenage years in Pocahontas, Ark.
After graduation, he joined the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and fought in the Vietnam War.
Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Arkansas to work construction in the Cherokee Village area. He then worked law enforcement as a deputy and later as a Missouri State Park Ranger at Montauk State Park. He retired from Montauk after 25 years of service.
His greatest passion was fishing. In his earlier years, he enjoyed fishing for bass. After retiring, his interest turned to fly-fishing. His love of fishing gave him the idea of a boat locking device. He obtained a patent for his product, DOC-LOC.
He enjoyed cooking and spending time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother; and a daughter, Angela Deaton.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; a half-brother, D. Victor Waits of Holts Summit; two step-daughters, Tracy Logsdon of Kirbyville and Robin Wallace of Licking; five step-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
Services were Monday, Dec. 28, at Fox Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lloyd Heavin officiating. Burial was Tuesday, Dec. 29, in Montauk Cemetery under direction of Fox Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Darrell Bentley Memorial Bench fund. Online condolences may be made at www.foxfh.net.
