Lionel Keith Bentley

Lionel Keith Bentley left his loving family on March 12, 2022. He was born on Dec. 7, 1946, to Alvin Guy Bentley and Gladys Lorene (Spears) Bentley in Gracemont, Oklahoma. He was the fourth child in the family of five (2 brothers and 2 sisters).
He graduated from Gracemont High School, when as a junior the basketball team went to the State Tournament. Lionel was active in 4H and Farmers Union programs participating in Pasture, Range and Land judging competitions across Oklahoma. He was elected to Farmers Union National Youth Council in 1964.
After High School graduation, he enrolled at OSU in the fall of 1965. He received a BS in Agriculture with focus on Agronomy and Turf Management in 1970. Lionel also served in the Oklahoma National Guard from 1966-1972.
In 1972, he planted his first turf farm in Gracemont, Oklahoma, eventually moved grass inventory and equipment to Washington, Oklahoma and officially opened a Bentley Turf Farms office in Norman, Oklahoma in 1972. At the beginning of 2022, Lionel was proud to celebrate 40 years of Bentley Turf Farms.
On September 2, 1972, Lionel began his 49-year journey of love, friendship and making incredible memories with his best friend, partner and wife, Luenna “Lou” (Land) Bentley. Together they experienced years of traveling both state side and abroad, making lasting friendships along the way.
Lionel always stayed active. He enjoyed golf, Quail hunting, Canadian Fishing, the YMCA, gardening on a big scale and forever projects around the home place. Lionel loved being around folks and making them laugh. Lionel had a way of making folks feel comfortable and you couldn’t have asked for a better friend. Lionel will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit and was fortunate enough to cultivate and maintain a unique and treasured collection of friends. He will be missed by his friends, family and especially his best girl, Lou.
Lionel is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lou, two sisters; Karen Henderson of Carrolton, Tx and Judy Herron of Edmond, Ok, Five nieces; Kim (Henderson)Greenlee and husband John, Drenda (Herron) Roberts and husband Jerrod, Jennie (Herron) Lee and husband David, Melinda (Bentley) Pyle and husband Chris and Alica (Bentley) Weatherford, Nephew, Shawn Henderson and wife Michelle. Great nieces and nephews, Lily Greenlee, Davis Greenlee and Elise (Roberts) Black and husband Tanner, Laurin Roberts and Will Roberts, Faith Lee, Connor Lee, Gavin Pyle, Reagan Pyle, Cadence and Ethan Weatherford, Avery and Abby Henderson. Great great niece and nephew, Raylee Black and Brooks Black, two brother-in-laws, Gene Land of Kansas City, MO, and Richard “Dick” Land and wife Betty of Oklahoma City, OK.
Lionel was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lynndel and Alvin Bentley.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Norman Park Foundation PO Box 6523 Norman, Ok 73070 in memory of Lionel K. Bentley.
A celebration of memories reception will be held Friday 6 to 8 P.M. April 1, 2022, at Immanuel Baptist Church 1777 E. Robinson St. Norman. A celebration of Life will be Saturday 10 A.M. April 2, 2022, at Immanuel Baptist Church 1777 E. Robinson Street, Norman.