Larry Paul Bentley, age 82, of Springfield, Missouri, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on May 1, 2024, at Mercy Hospital. Larry was born to John Robert and Edna Pearl (Earnest) Bentley on September 28, 1941, in Mulberry Grove, Illinois. Larry’s family moved to California where Larry grew up in a small town called Corona.  Larry graduated from Corona High School in 1958. Larry was united in marriage to Zeta DeMello on November 30, 1996, in San Bernardino, California. Larry and Zeta shared 27 wonderful years of marriage before his untimely passing.

In Larry’s younger years he worked as an attendant at a nearby bowling center where he learned to love the game of bowling.  In 1977 went to work for Stater Brothers Markets, a large supermarket chain located in Southern California as a diesel mechanic. Over his thirty-year career with Stater Brothers, Larry was promoted to Maintenance & Mechanic Warehouse Supervisor and then promoted to Buyer of Trucks and Warehouse Equipment.  He loved his job and will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

When not working, Larry was an avid bowler who successfully competed in the Professional Bowlers Association and Professional Coast Bowlers Associations Tour. He was also a member of the American Bowling Congress and the local Citrus Belt Bowling Association where he competed in several competitive bowling leagues.  While participating in league play Larry successfully bowled several perfect 300 games and one evening bowling two perfect 300 games back-to-back.   In addition to bowling, Larry was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He especially liked to visit Catalina Island in Southern California, where he went with friends to hunt wild sheep and boars.

Larry’s main love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Larry was a faithful church member who loved ministering through the talents God gave him.  He sang with the worship team as well as ministering as a solo vocalist and also doing duets with fellow church members.  He ministered at local outreaches where he was blessed to have been able to lead the lost to Christ.  Larry and Zeta attended Northside Assembly of God where they worshipped together as well as Larry serving on the church board as a deacon for several years.

Larry was preceded in death by this parents, John and Edna Bentley; brothers, David Lee Bentley, Lester Robert Bentley, and Wayne Ugene Bentley; sisters, Martha Bracken and Velma Ezell; stepsons, Daniel DeMello, David DeMello, and Donald DeMello; and stepdaughter, Tammy DeMello. He is survived by his wife, Zeta Bentley; son, Larry Paul Bentley, Jr.; daughters, Monica Bentley, Michelle Bennett and her husband, Jordan; grandsons, Nathaniel Bennett and Matthew Bennett; granddaughter, Krystal Bentley; stepsons, Dennis DeMello and Dale DeMello and wife Paula, daughter-in-law Cindy DeMello; brother, Ivan Dale Bentley and Larry’s twin sister, Fairy Pauline (Carol) Nugent. Larry is also survived by several step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Larry was a Godly man who loved his wife and family beyond measure. His legacy of unconditional love, patience, generosity and helpfulness will live forever in the lives of those he touched. Larry is now in the presence of Jesus where he has always longed to be and someday we will join him

A memorial service celebrating the life of Larry Paul Bentley will be held on May 19, 2024, 2:00 pm, at Northside Assembly of God in Springfield.

Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North.