Donald "Db" Bentley

A Kent businessman for over 50 years, Donald E. Bentley, 83, of Twin Lakes passed away Saturday December 10, 2011 at his home. He was born May 8, 1928 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio to Dwight and Esther (Meeker) Bentley and was a 1946 graduate of Kent Roosevelt High School, serving as president of his senior class.

"DB" was known for his various enterprises, both entrepreneurial and philanthropic. A contractor by trade and owner of Don Bentley & Son Builders, he built more than 100 homes in the Kent area. He opened the popular Rusty Nail Restaurant in 1967 which is in third-generation ownership and is one of his many legacies to his family. His creativity led to many helpful inventions which made life better for others, including a training goal for the Kent Soccer Club. He was the founder of In-Wall Industries and the Rusty Nail Frame Shop and a past member of the Elk's Club of Kent and the Kent Jaycees.

DB loved sports, particularly wrestling, and was dedicated to the athletic development of young people. He spent many weekends driving the famous "Green Weenie" motor home to various athletic tournaments, including state tournaments, to ensure that young athletes had opportunity to participate in their sport. He could always be found on the sideline during Kent Roosevelt football and soccer games. His true passion was watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete and excel in all kinds of sports. For major contributions to Kent City Schools, Don was inducted into the Kent City Schools Hall of Fame in 2002. The Hall of Fame committee honored him by saying; "Don Bentley has been a loyal fan and inspiration to Roosevelt student athletics, as well as a lifelong supporter of his community. Many benefited from his generous spirit. He contributed not only funding, but also his time and energy to help young people in his hometown. Founder of the Kent Wrestling Club, Bentley built a practice facility and purchased equipment to encourage Kent youngsters to participate in the sport. He is a member of the Portage County Hall of Fame and a charter member of the Rough Rider Association."

DB's sense of humor and desire to ensure that fun followed him wherever he went is what most people will remember about him. The self-proclaimed mayor of Earlville, he was a past commodore of the Earlville Yacht Club and formed the Earlville Jazz Band based on his love for Dixieland music. He was a pilot and owned planes with several of his friends. Enjoying hunting and fishing, he was a major supporter of Duck's Unlimited.

DB's humor, generosity, smile and laugh made him special to be around. His motto was: "If I can help you, I will. If I can hurt you, I won't." He was a role model to a multitude of friends for having "the courage to change." His love for life was only surpassed by his love of family.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Barbara (Rhoads) Bentley, son Jeffrey T. (Debbie) Bentley, daughters Sandy Allen (Gene Mould), Sherry (Dave) Joy and Kim Laubert; sister Mary Lou Helmling; grandchildren Wendy (Steve) Fiebig, Kristen (Kevin) Kalinowski, Bryse (Kristen) Joy, Brooke Joy, Katie (Ryan) McCrady, Megan Laubert and Clay Laubert; great-grandchildren Ky and Kade Kalinowski, Ella Betzhold, Morgan and Carson Joy, and Cooper and Knox Fiebig; uncle Robert (Barbara) Meeker; sister-in-law Geri Bentley; brother-in-law Bud (Jane) Rhoads; friend Bob Phillips; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Dwight and Esther Bentley; brothers, Harold and Kenneth Bentley; sister Esther Mae Lamar; and nephews Jeffrey L. Bentley, and Dwight and Darren Helmling.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday December 14, 2011 at the Rusty Nail Banquet Hall from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and Thursday December 15, 2011 from 10:00am to 11:00am with funeral service to follow in the banquet hall. Burial will follow the service in Standing Rock Cemetery. Arrangements are being made by Bissler & Sons Funeral Home, Kent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kent Roosevelt Athletic Boosters. Contact Jeri Strange at 330-608-1893.