Wendell J Bentley

Wendell graduated from Lockerman High School in Denton, Maryland, in May 1952. He was a farmer at heart, which required a great deal of hard work. Wendell attended Bloomberg Baptist Church in Ridgely, Maryland, and was baptized there in 1944. He remained a faithful member until 1952.

Seeking to see the world, Wendell joined the United States Air Foree in June 1952. He was stationed in Germany and traveled throughout France and many other countries. Upon returning to the United Sates, he was stationed at Geiger Field Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. Wendell received an Honorable Discharge June 1956 and decided to move to Los Angeles, California. He is currently member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Chappie James Post # 578.

Ben was business-minded and attended American Barber College, graduating in 1957 where he became a Master Barber. Because of his love for music, he also attended Eubank's Conservatory of Music and Arts, located in Hawthorne, CA. There, he learned to play the drums and became an accomplished drummer; and played for several churches in the Los Angeles Area.

Over the years, Ben attended various other churches in California and eventually placed his membership at Bethel Church of God in Christ in Monrovia. California, West Angeles Church of God In Christ, Los Angeles. California, and later attended New Hope Church. God in Christ in Duarte, California. Ben worked at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California, as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 12 years.

After graduating from American Barber College in 1957 he began his barbering career. He worked at Rampa Barber Shop under the ownership of Mr. Charles Fant. In 1962, Ben purchased the barber shop from Mr. Fant and renamed it London Barber Shop. which was well-known and well respected in the community.

In 2009, Ben closed his shop and went to work at Blue's Barber Shop with Marie Blue-Bright. After an impressive 60-year career, Ben retired from barbering in 2017.

After retirement, Ben found more time to attend to his cherished truck and car collection. His favorite vehicles included his 1994 Lincoln Town Car, his Chevrolet Avalanche and his blue pickup truck,

Wendell met and married Ms. Elaine Taylor in 1954. From this union, three children were born: Wendell Bentley Jr., Sherrilyn Bentley- Blanton, Chat Martin, Aden Martin, Quiney Blanton, Quinton Blanton, Quindrae Blanton (Grandchildren) Devin Johnson (Great Grandchild) and son Gregory Bentley, Jessie Bentley & Greg Bentley Jr (Grandchildren)

Wendell Later married Ms. Carolyn Jacox in 1964, and form this union, one daughter was born, Bridgette Bentley, Chistina (Granddaughter)

Wendell’s additional children Alonzo (Deceased) (mother, Jean Miles),

Sharmeka Bentley (mother, Linda Cobb), Mister D’Angelo, Sir Brian, Aaron, D’Aaron (Grandchildren) Majesty, Mister Jr. (Great- Grand-children)

Breya M. Bentley (mother. Mary Keel).

Wendell found love again and married Ms. Sonia Clyburn in August 2013. Mrs. Sonia Bentley preceded him death in 2022.

Wendell (Ben) Bentley was loved by many friends, customers, neighbors and associates. He will truly be missed.

Wendell J Bentley, born October 12, 1934, passed on June 11, 2026, at the age of 91. Wendell lived in West Covina, California.

A visitation will be held at Turner & Stevens-Live Oak Mortuary, 200 E Duarte Road, Monrovia, CA 91016, US, on July 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

A committal service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, US, on July 9, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.