Leigh John Bentley

Leigh John Bentley, Sr., 72, a lifelong resident of Fulshear, Texas, passed away on November 3, 2013, in Katy, Texas. He was born in Houston, Texas, on January 26, 1941, to Carl Briscoe Bentley and Stella (Kennelly) Bentley. A proud descendent of Austin's Old 300 settlers, Leigh John grew up idolizing Roy Rogers and playing marbles in the streets of Fulshear. A 1960 graduate of Lamar Consolidated HS, he married Carole Ehlert on February 17, 1962 in Pattison. He began a career in the machinery business in parts sales, but soon found his way into tractor sales, eventually establishing Bentley Equipment Company. Later he operated an environmental testing company. Leigh John served Fulshear as volunteer fireman and was chief for some years. He was instrumental in the incorporation of Fulshear and was one of the original aldermen. He was a lifetime member of both Fulshear United Methodist Church and Ft. Bend County Fair Association. He enjoyed hunting and loved barbequing beef brisket. He is survived by his WIFE of 51 years: Carole Bentley of Fulshear; SON: Leigh John Bentley Jr. of Fulshear; DAUGHTERS: Janet Montgomery and her husband, Mark, of Bellville, Beth Bentley Massie and her husband, Tommy, of Helotes; SISTER: Duane Peck of Fulshear; GRANDCHILDREN: John Theodore Bentley, Robert Montgomery, Spc. Zachary Montgomery, U.S. Army, Megan Montgomery, Kayla Massie, and Karson Massie. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Brookshire, Texas. Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 7, 2013, at the Fulshear United Methodist Church, with Dr. Mark Welshimer officiating. Pallbearers for the service were Conan Ehlert, Travis Dozier, Bubba Mullins, Thomas Parker, John Parker and Charlie Criss. Honorary pallbearers include Paul Quiggins, David Mullins, Charles Madsen, Victor Thomas Jones, III, and Johnny Kersten. Interment will follow in the Fulshear Cemetery, Fulshear, Texas. Memorial Gifts may be made to the Fulshear United Methodist Church, 8201 Harris Street, Fulshear, Texas 77441.