Donald Bentley
Donald L. Bentley, 53, of Broken Bow, Neb. and formerly of Sargent, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 at the Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow.
Donald was born in Broken Bow on Aug. 16, 1967 to Gaylord and Donna (Willhoit) Bentley. They lived on a farm near Anselmo until he was three years old then they moved east of Sargent.
Donald attended grade school and high school at Sargent Public Schools. He graduated in 1986 and went to college that fall at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte. He studied diesel mechanics.
He raised hogs and cattle. He helped farmers during harvest, driving tractors and grain cart. He worked long days but was ready to go bright and early the next day because he loved what he was doing.
Donald loved going for motorcycle rides and working on old tractors and three wheelers and pickups. He also enjoyed antique tractor shows, going to craft shows and going to garage sales. He had a great love for ebay where he could spend many hours searching for and collecting Tonka trucks.
Donald was known for starting conversations with a complete stranger. He loved talking to everyone and hearing stories that anyone would share with him.
Donald took it upon himself to be the driver on vacations with his mom, niece and nephews. He enjoyed the family pasture parties for family birthdays, going to dances and listening to country music.
Donald had a great sense of humor and a nickname for everyone that he was close to. We will all miss the orneriness, smile and his contagious laughter!!
Donald is survived by his mother Donna Bentley of Sargent; special friend Duane Krajnik of Ord; sisters Julie Bentley of Broken Bow and Gaylene (Jerod) Beck of Broken Bow; two nephews and three nieces; two great-nephews and one great-niece; two uncles Duane (Cheryl) Bentley of Berthoud, Colo. and Gary (Cyndie) Willhoit of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and Donald’s special friend and caregiver Jennifer Marr of Broken Bow.
Donald was preceded in death by his father Gaylord Bentley; paternal grandparents Chris and Virginia Bentley; maternal grandparents Elwin and Elizabeth Willhoit; and two uncles Darel Bentley and Joe Willhoit.
A private family funeral services was held Monday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow with Don Schauda officiating. The funeral service was livestreamed at www.govierbrothers.com
The public was invited to attend burial at the Mt Hope Cemetery in Sargent. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Ord Fire Protection at 1628 M Street Ord, NE 68862.
Visitation was Sunday, Jan. 24, 1-4 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow.
Govier Brothers Mortuary were in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed for words of encouragement or remembrance at www.govierbrothers.com.