Obituary for Rodger Bentley

Ponca City Now - April 30, 2024 4:43 pm

Rodger Bentley

August 17, 1943 – April 27, 2024

Rodger Dane Bentley, resident of Ponca City, died on Saturday, April 27, 2024. He was 80 years old.

Rodger, along with his twin brother Rodney Wayne Bentley, was born to parents Vearis and Ruth (Buster) Bentley at home on August 17, 1943 about five miles northeast of Coyle, OK. The family moved to Ponca City in 1950. Rodger attended 3rd grade through high school in Ponca, graduating in the class of 1961 at PoHi. Rodger played baseball at PoHi, legion ball, and a couple of years of semi-pro baseball.

Rodger married Patricia Arms in 1963. They had three sons: Brett, Brian, and Eric. They divorced in 1984, but remained good friends until her passing in 2011. Rodger went to work at City Service in 1965, later working at Conoco, retiring in 1999 at the age of 55, after 34 1/2 years. During work, Rodger coached with good friend Larry Noel. He sponsored H.N. Sporting Goods. His three sons also later coached softball with Larry Noel. Rodger and best friend Darrell Lampe enjoyed frequent visits to Tom’s place to put down a few cold beverages (often more than a few). Rodger loved music, dancing, playing pool, and working on cars, mowing and lawn equipment. Rodger was a huge fan of OU and couldn’t be seen without wearing his OU gear.

Rodger is survived by his son Brian Bentley and daughter-in-law Michelle; twin brother Rodney and his wife Vicki; three grandchildren Brandon Bentley, Tara Dixey and husband Mario, and Blake Bentley and wife Chelsea Long; great grandchildren Hendrix Bentley, Hestin Dixey, Mia Dixey, Zayden Jackson, and Parker Jackson; nephew Jay Bentley, and niece Jill Bentley.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vearis and Ruth Bentley; two sons Brett Bentley and Eric Bentley, two nephews Jeff Bentley and Chris Bentley; best friend Darrell Lampe; and many other good friends.

A viewing will be from 10:00 AM-8:00PM on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601. His graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Longwood Cemetery, Ponca City, OK.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

At Rodger’s request, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society, 900 W Prospect Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home