CPO Edward R. Bentley USN (Ret)

Born in Eastport, Maryland on 24 Dec 1933, Ed was the only son of Margaret (Murray) & Robert Edward Bentley. He had five sisters. Ed was a depression era baby so times were tough. When he was young, he moved out to the truck farm with his grandma where he helped raise chickens and grow vegetables. He enjoyed going to school and loved to learn and read. He was no stranger to hard work and was employed by the Post Office during high school.

Following graduation Ed join the US Navy and proudly served his country for 24 years. His military career was illustrious and Ed was proud of everything he was involved with while serving in the Navy. He retired as Chief Petty Officer in 1975.

Ed married the love of his life, Wanda Dawson, on New Year's Eve 1975 in Waukegan, Illinois. He was a loving husband and faithful partner. Ed & Wanda were blessed with a daughter, Michelle. Ed was a great father. He worked to instill in his daughter his love of learning. He taught her the importance of enjoying life while being responsible and fulfilling obligations, and to respect those that earned it.

Ed was a good man who would give the shirt off his back. He loved his sisters and had a fun time with family. He was intelligent and would read anything he could get his hands on. He was a numismatist and a philatelist. Ed was hardworking and funny. He was also loving and compassionate. He was active in Veteran organizations and was a member of the FRA, VFW, American Legion, Beach Jumpers Association, and the Vietnam Veterans Association. He will be dearly missed.

Ed leaves behind his wife of almost 50 years, Wanda Bentley; daughter Michelle Bentley Alexander (Bret Alexander); granddaughter Sarah Alexander-Pope (Cameron Pope); and great-grandchildren Finn, Sirenna, Elodie, Stryker, and Mazlyn; as well as the family dog, Dexter. Dexter was Ed's buddy and took naps with Ed on the bed every day, right up until the end. Ed is also survived by his sisters Phyllis Osteen, Margaret Helen Kreutzer, and Sharon Yarnell (Michael Blades).

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Ruth Bentley (Ken Rush), and Harriet Smith (Donald), as well as brothers-in-law David Osteen and William "Sonny" Kreutzer.

Per Ed's wishes, no funeral service will be held. His ashes will be scattered on Hagues Peak, where he will be able to watch over his family for all time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to the Wounded Warrior Project. Memories of Ed and words of condolence for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.