Eugene Robert Bentley, 95, longtime resident of the Era Community, was called to our Lord on March 5, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.
Eugene, known to many as Eudie, was born December 3, 1926, to Robert and Della Bush Bentley on the family farm, homesteaded by land-grant from Texas Governor Hogg. Eugene went to school via horse and buggy at Era School, graduating in 1944. After graduating, Eugene answered the call to serve in the US Army in 1950 and was deployed with the 4th infantry division to Germany in 1951 as the first of five divisions deployed to support the new NATO alliance. Their main duties included ordnance clean up from WWII and beer drinking. A story he always liked to tell was once he was directing traffic while smoking a cigar. His Lieutenant drove up and commanded him to get rid of the cigar. He respectfully did and pulled out his chewing tobacco and filled his jaw. He offered his lieutenant some, of which he accepted then told Eugene not to let anyone see you spit and then drove off.
Upon honorable discharge from the army, he returned home where he met and married a fiery red head named Nancy Idell. They were married November 6, 1954 and settled on the family farm where he bought a dairy farm from his brother and ran it along with crop farming until 1985. He continued his passion for animals by trading in his Holsteins for Angus which continues today. In his later years he loved to ride around looking at them on his Gator. Not many people can say they cut cattle in a lot on a Gator, well Eugene did it. Eugene loved going to the feed store in Era on that Gator to talk. Eugene loved talking to people about cows, weather, and politics. Whoever would stop on the side of the road was the best.
Eugene was also a man to serve. Eugene was one of the founding members of the Era Volunteer Fire Department, help purchase the first truck then spending evenings building the first tanker truck along with many volunteers, in a local barn. Eugene served as president of the Era Community Club, on Era School Board, Era Cemetery Association, Eugene was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville where he served as a ruling Elder.
Eugene was a dedicated family man that never missed any event where his kids were involved. Even milking cows twice a day for years, he never missed an event his kids were in, no matter the distance to drive. Football, basketball, livestock shows, school performances, he was always there. Eugene loved all events in the Era community, from the Christmas Parade, burgers on the 4th of July Fire Dept celebration and especially the Fire Department Fish Fry. He loved making his special peanut brittle and donating it for auction. Eugene also loved to carry his brittle around to give to any friend he met. During the Era Centennial celebration in 1978, Eugene won the ugliest beard award, something he was very proud of and never shaved again.
Eugene is survived by his wife Nancy, three sons and daughters-in-law, Mike, Paul and Roxanne, and Danny and Meredith. Five grandchildren: Robert, Amy, Christopher, Zachary and Jericho. Seven great-grandchildren: Andy, Rylee, Isabel, Cash, Ellie, Lilly and Gracie. Nephew and niece, Charles and Debra Bentley and Debbie Garza.
Eugene was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother and sister-in-law C.L and Emma Bentley, brother Jack Bentley and sister and brother-in-law Crystal and Ted Hughes and daughter-in-law Jana Bentley.
In lieu of flowers, the family request Memorial contributions be made to the Era Volunteer Fire Department, the Era Cemetery Association and Hospice.
Visitation will be help at First Presbyterian Church at 401 S Denton St, Gainesville, TX on March 13, 2022 between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm with graveside service held March 14, 2022 at Era Cemetery in Era Texas at 2:00 pm.
Danny…I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
What a life well lived. My condolences to the Bentley Family during this difficult time.
Eudie was one if a kind. Spent several summers working harvest and hay bailing with Eudie.
Many hay rides around the Bentley farm were enjoyed by our church group. Eugene always said “watch your step”. He will always be remembered and missed.
My deepest condolences and prayers for your family
After reading the obituary Eugene Robert Bentley lived a great life and left a great legacy.
Mike, I’m sorry for your loss – I’ll be praying for your family.
Mike, my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Nancy, Mike, Paul and Danny ..I pray for God’s comfort to you and your families
Mike, we loved your Dad! He was always so funny and sweet! Love
So sorry to hear about your Dad! Mike he was a dear! Love
My condolences to the family at this time.
We’ve lost a one-of-a-kind man. He always brought a smile to your face, he will be missed by all.
Our condolences.
We pray that you have the assurance of seeing Eudie again.
Dana and Danny
My prayers are with all of you during this time of need. Know that I am thinking of you all and really will miss your dad and husband. I know that he is in a much better place now with his loved ones and ours and we will all meet again someday. Love ya’ll always, Chip