Albert Bentley

THE REVEREND ALBERT A. BENTLEYAge 89, a resident of Albuquerque for over 16 years, and a minister of the Church of God (Anderson, IN) since the age of 23, having retired at the "tender" age of 85, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 11, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Irene Hogue Bentley, with whom he served as Pastor, Missionary-teacher, author and administrator in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, African-American and Native-American ministries in a number of places, including Southwestern USA, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. He is also survived by his son and daughter, Jerry and Ginger Bentley; daughter-in-law, Carol Bentley; 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn & Paul Findley; sister-in-law, Lorene Hogue Kimball; brother-in-law & wife, Melvin & Cindy Hogue; 2 aunts, Lois Lesher & Josephine Mackey; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins and friends. Brother Al was preceded in death by his parents, Frank & Gladys Bentley; brother, Frank Eugene Bentley; son, Larry Bentley; and great-grandson, Makai La Flamme. After retiring from pastoring in Prescott, AZ, at the age of 65, Rev. Al served an additional 20 years as a chaplain for the Veteran's Hospital, Samaritan Village, Police Dept., and Hospice. In Albuquerque, while pastoring the bilingual Southside Church of God (1960-68) and Montgomery Place Church of God (1975-1982), he also served as a police chaplain, taught Spanish at Immanuel Lutheran School, did substitute teaching in various public schools, and was active in several ecumenical and community organizations throughout his life, including El Concilio & La Alianza (Hispanic ministerial alliances), NM Council of Churches, National Council of Christians and Jews, Lion's Club and NAACP. Albert also served his country during WWII as a Flight Engineer on B-29's. Brother Al enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as gardening, horseback riding, reading and wood-working. He summed up his own life by saying, "I did the best I could." To those who knew and loved him, he was a unique combination of pride and dedication in everything he did , coupled with deep humility and respect for others, as well as having a great sense of humor. Memorial services for Rev. Bentley will be held at Los Altos Christian Church, 11900 Haines Ave. NE, at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20, 2012, with the Rev. Mary Harris-Koth officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of New Mexico, 4015 Carlisle Blvd. NE, 87107. Please visit our online guest book for Rev. Al at Lomas Blvd NE505-275-3500