Ira F. Bentley

Ira F. Bentley December 25, 1925 - June 28, 2024Share this obituary Upload Photo| Sign Guestbook| View Guestbook Entries| Send Sympathy Card Ira Freeman Bentley December 25, 1925 – June 28, 2024Ira F. Bentley, 98, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Wentzville, MO on June 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of the late Nellie Marie Bentley (nee Wright); dear son of the late Isaac and Cora (Mullins) Bentley; dear father and father-in-law of Roger (Tanishae) Bentley, David (Gayla) Bentley; Michelle (Joseph) Van Meter, Lisa (Cameron) Cook and the late Anthony “Tony” (Cathy) and Sherman Bentley; loving grandfather of 22 grandchildren and hosts of great-children and great-great-grandchildren; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend .Ira grew up in Myra, KY. He and Nellie married in 1944. He became a coal miner in his twenties, working deep in the coal fields of Eastern KY. He worked at Mine 29 with Bethlehem Steel for the majority of his career. Ira was a proud member of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and loved what he did. In 1982 he retired as a coal miner. After retiring, Ira spent all of his time focusing on his family and became a devoted, talented gardener and farmer. He so enjoyed raising pigs, chickens, turkeys and had horses and mules. His CB handle became Mule Man, but he was known to many by Candy Man. With his wife, Ira made many homemade candies and could be seen throughout town delivering and selling them with his basket. His belief and devotion to God was in every conversation he had. Attending St. Charles River Church was a highlight of his week. Funeral at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141 on Tuesday, July 2 at 7 p.m. with visitation from 4 p.m. until time of service. Visitation at Lucas and Son Funeral Home, 2931 US Highway 23 South, Pikeville, KY 41501 on Friday, July 5 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral service at the funeral home Saturday, July 6 at 10 a.m. followed by burial in Wright Cemetery.