John David Bentley

John D. Bentley Sr, 77, passed away in his home Sunday March 12, 2023 John was born September 23, 1945 in Elkhart, to the late Edward H. and Linnie I. (Fieser) Bentley.

John married the love of his life, Sarah Singleton Chapman on July 5, 2002.  She survives along with his three children, John Jr. (Jennifer) Bentley of Mishawaka, Leslie (Jefferie) Hardy, and Rebecca Bentley; two step-daughters, Shanon Singleton and Megan Chapman all of Elkhart; four grandchildren Noah, Sydney and Ian Hardy, and Calvin Bailey; brother Roderick Bentley of Kokomo; along with several nieces and nephews survive; who will cherish his memory. 

John graduated from Elkhart High School in 1964. John enjoyed swimming, water skiing, boating and ice skating.  He started Sonitrol of Elkhart County in 1968, Digital Alarm Systems in 1982 and later Metro Security Forces.  In 1975, he was elected to the Elkhart County Council serving 2 years and then was elected as an Elkhart County Commissioner for 3 terms.

John served on the Elkhart County Drainage Board, Elkhart County Plan Commission, Elkhart Solid Waste Technical Committee.  He also served on the Indiana State Youth Services Bureau. He was influential to the Indiana State Police Respect for Law Camps.

On December 18, 1985 John was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash from then Governor Robert D. Orr. John was a life member of the Elkhart Evening Optimist Club, Kane Masonic Lodge #183 and a member of the South Bend Valley 32nd Degree.

A special thanks to Laura and Chantel from the Center for Hospice Care and Jessica “his girlfriend” as John called her, Patti and Helen from Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their exceptional tender and loving care.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-6pm followed by a memorial service at 6pm on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart County Humane Society or one of their choices.

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