Estil Bentley

Estil Bentley Mr. Estil Bentley, 89, of Atlanta, Michigan passed away peacefully at MediLodge in Hillman on September 17, 2012. Estil was born May 2, 1923 in Fullerton, Kentucky to Riley and Nellie Bentley; both of which proceeded him in death in 1975 and 1984 respectively. He moved to Michigan when he was eight years old and settled on a farm in Pleasant Valley. He attended the White School and later completed his GED at the Hillman school. In 1943 Estil entered the military in World War II in Germany where he served bravely under the command of General Patton. He was in many combat battles and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon (in which he was wounded) two Bronze stars, the Purple Heart, and the Victory Medal of Good Conduct. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Estil married Catherine June Benson at the Lutheran Church in Leer on October 26, 1946 and they remained together for sixty-five years. He was dog warden and then Marshall of Hillman for many years and then moved on to own and operate his own detective business. He was past member of the Thunder Bay VFW Post, Atlanta Sportsman Club, instructor for Hillman and Atlanta Junior Rifle Association, Hillman Pistol Club, and was also a boy scout leader. He loved horses and owned quite a few. He was a very good roper and rider and was a professional trainer. He was often seen riding his horses in the Hillman area dressed in his cowboy outfit adorned with hat and boots. He worked in close connection with the local hunting clubs in the Turtle Lake area for many years. He owned and operated his own construction company. He obtained his pilots license and would give neighbors and friends rides in his airplane. One of his favorite past-times was singing gospel music and playing his guitar in the area churches and at the fairgrounds. He will be remembered for his easy going manner and his willingness to help those in need. He was a friend to everyone and will be missed dearly. He is survived by loving wife, June of Atlanta; grandson, Ethan (Dawn) Bentley of East Lansing; two great grandsons, Griffin and Cooper Bentley; nephews, James (Ruth) Newton of Hillman, MI, Alton (Gladys) Griffin of CO, Raymond (Vaneeta) Bentley of Detroit, MI, and David (Fleen) Bentley of Grand Rapids, MI; and nieces Cloteen Fland of Lennon, MI, and Betty Romel of Hillman, MI. He was preceded in death by a son, Bradley; brothers, Leslie, Monroe, Charles; and sisters, Bessie Olinger and Myrtle Kihn. Funeral services for Mr. Bentley will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Green Funeral Home; Atlanta, MI; Rev. Ross Wilder officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00AM until time of service. Interment will take place at the Avery Twp Cemetery. The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at MediLodge for the loving care that Estil received while there.
Estil married Catherine June Benson at the Lutheran Church in Leer on October 26, 1946 and they remained together for sixty-five years. He was dog warden and then Marshall of Hillman for many years and then moved on to own and operate his own detective business. He was past member of the Thunder Bay VFW Post, Atlanta Sportsman Club, instructor for Hillman and Atlanta Junior Rifle Association, Hillman Pistol Club, and was also a boy scout leader. He loved horses and owned quite a few. He was a very good roper and rider and was a professional trainer. He was often seen riding his horses in the Hillman area dressed in his cowboy outfit adorned with hat and boots. He worked in close connection with the local hunting clubs in the Turtle Lake area for many years. He owned and operated his own construction company. He obtained his pilots license and would give neighbors and friends rides in his airplane. One of his favorite past-times was singing gospel music and playing his guitar in the area churches and at the fairgrounds. He will be remembered for his easy going manner and his willingness to help those in need. He was a friend to everyone and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by loving wife, June of Atlanta; grandson, Ethan (Dawn) Bentley of East Lansing; two great grandsons, Griffin and Cooper Bentley; nephews, James (Ruth) Newton of Hillman, MI, Alton (Gladys) Griffin of CO, Raymond (Vaneeta) Bentley of Detroit, MI, and David (Fleen) Bentley of Grand Rapids, MI; and nieces Cloteen Fland of Lennon, MI, and Betty Romel of Hillman, MI. He was preceded in death by a son, Bradley; brothers, Leslie, Monroe, Charles; and sisters, Bessie Olinger and Myrtle Kihn.
Funeral services for Mr. Bentley will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Green Funeral Home; Atlanta, MI; Rev. Ross Wilder officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00AM until time of service. Interment will take place at the Avery Twp Cemetery. The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff at MediLodge for the loving care that Estil received while there.