Judge Carl Briscoe Bentley

JUDGE CARL BRISCOE BENTLEY, 93, of Fulshear, Texas, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2013, in Richmond, Texas. He was born in Fulshear, Texas, to parents, Carl Charles Bentley and Minnie Briscoe Bentley, on June 4, 1920, on the same property he lived his entire life. A lifelong Fulshear resident, he was the 4th generation to live in Fulshear and the 6th generation of the Foster Briscoe Legacy which was part of the Old 300 Settlers in Texas with Stephen F. Austin. Carl enlisted in the United States Army on June 26, 1944, and fought in WWII, earning the Bronze Star for heroism, two Purple Hearts, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Carl saw action in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and the Philippine Liberation. He was Honorably Discharged on January 8, 1946, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. A Christian by Faith, he was an active member of the Fulshear United Methodist Church. Carl was united in marriage to Stella Kennelly on February 12, 1940, in Galveston, Texas. Carl served as the Justice of the Peace for over 35 years, Fort Bend County, Texas, and he served as Mayor of Fulshear. He was a Charter member of the VFW Post # 9182 Katy, Texas. He enjoyed ranching and spending time with his family. Carl is survived by his DAUGHTER: Duane Bentley Peck of Fulshear; SON: Leigh John Bentley, Sr. and his wife Carole, of Fulshear; GRANDCHILDREN: Leigh John Bentley, Jr., of Fulshear, Janet Bentley Montgomery and her husband, Mark, of Bellville, Elizabeth "Beth" Massie and her husband, Tom, of Helotes, Texas, Amanda Borrel and her husband, Rob, of Buda, Texas, Melinda Gardner and her husband, Stephen, of Austin and Tad Peck and his wife, Chelsea, of Lillian, Texas; GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: John Bentley of Fulshear, Robert Montgomery, Spc. Zach Montgomery, U.S. Army - Afghanistan, and Megan Montgomery of Bellville, Mitchell Borrel, and Avery Borrel of Buda, Alexandra Castilaw, Taylor Peck, Hailee Peck; Lily Peck and Levi Peck of Lillian, Kayla Massie and Karson Massie of Helotes, Benjamin Gardner, Madeline Gardner and Jackson Gardner of Austin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Stella Kennelly Bentley; parents, Carl Charles Bentley and Minnie Briscoe Bentley; sister, Dolphine Bentley; brother, Duane (Pancho) Bentley and step father, Phillip Owen Gibson. Visitation was held from 6 - 8 P.M., Friday, August 16, 2013, at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Brookshire. Funeral service was held at 11 AM, Saturday, August 17, 2013, from the Fulshear United Methodist Church with Dr. Mark Welshimer officiating. Interment followed in the Fulshear Cemetery with Military Honors provided by VFW Post # 9182 Katy Texas. Pallbearers were members of the VFW Post # 9182 Katy, Texas. Honorary Pallbearers were Ron Rhemann, Joe Dozier, Al Peck, David Mullins, Lorenzo Chavez, and Skipper Gertson. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the: Fulshear United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 100, Fulshear, Texas 77441. Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, 819 Waller Ave., Brookshire, Texas 77423. (281)934-2424 - www.schmidtfunerals.com