Bill Bentley

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Bill Lee Bentley, 72, of Sikeston, formerly of Chaffee, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston, where he spent his last years and was loved dearly. A special thank you because he loved them dearly.

He was born June 8, 1934, at Scott City, to Ardello William and Lucille Maude Riehn Bentley.

He worked as a maintenance man for Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Bentley's love for music included involvement in gospel groups with his family, The Soul Crusaders and at the churches he attended. He was an avid guitar player, singer and songwriter. Bentley loved arrowhead hunting.

Survivors include a brother, Gary Wayne (Rheta) Bentley of Chaffee; five sisters, Jean Hanlon of St. Charles, Jackie (Pete) Mansker of St. Louis, Mable Helt of Cairo, Ill., LaWanda (Tooter) Talley of Dexter, Mo., Bonnie Sadler of Sikeston; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends, cousins and close friends at Chaffee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ardello and Lucille Bentley; three brothers, Danny Bentley, Bob Bentley, Glenn Bentley; and his grandparents.

Friends may call after 10 a.m. Monday until the time of the service.

Service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, with the Rev. David Craig of the Power House of God in Sikeston officiating.

Burial will be at the Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to the Bentley Fund, c/o Gary Bentley, 329 Southbrook, Chaffee, Mo.