W.M. Bentley

W.M. Bentley, “Mr. Bluegrass” age 88, passed away on Thursday morning, January 9, 2025 at his home in Brown County.

W.M. was born on September 1, 1936 in Hazard, Kentucky, to his parents, the late Irvin and Bessie Bentley. He was a graduate of Carr Creek High School, majored in Forestry at University of Kentucky and later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in accounting. He proudly served his country with the United States Army.

W.M. worked at Arvin Industries for over 25 years, working various positions from the production line to being a fork lift driver and was also the Union Treasurer for over 10 years. After retirement, he worked at Bill Monroe’s Jamboree Park and was known as Mr. Bluegrass by many.

W.M. enjoyed spending time in the outdoors walking in the woods, hunting for mushrooms gardening and could identify every tree. He also enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, taking care of his chihuahuas and spending time with family.

W.M. was preceded in death on January 19, 2018 by his loving wife of 58 years, Jeanette (Combs) Bentley, whom he married on December 23, 1959 in Hindman, Kentucky. W.M was also preceded by his father, Irvin Bentley; mother, Bessie Bentley; step-mother, Jane Bentley, siblings, Alex Bentley, Gwen Legere, Vickie Lee Bentley, Bonnie Hall, and Patricia “Trish” Ratliff. daughter-in-law, Robin Bentley; great grandsons, Shawn Summers and Carson Cowan.

He is survived by his children, Wendell (Melody) Bentley of Martinsville, Mitchell Bentley of Morgantown, Lester Bentley of Morgantown, Bessie (Richard) Sumpter of Nashville and Teresa Bentley, daughter Shawnalee of Morgantown and Rick Laws of Illinois; siblings, Illa Mae Gayheart, Louise Fields, Carolyn Beverly, Kimmie Neace and Frank Bentley; 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 16th at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15th at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Weeping Willow Cemetery in Bean Blossom with military honors presented by the United States Army and the Brown County Honor Guards. 

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of W.M. to the Brown County Humane Society: 128 State Road 135 South Nashville, IN 47448    

Online condolences can be made to the Bentley family at meredith-clark.com.

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