Bentley P. Stansbury Sr.

On July 19, 2013, Bentley P. Stansbury, Sr. arrived in heaven with a plate of pralines in his hand and greeted the angels with a twinkle in his eye. Friends and family will always remember his strength, intelligence, and courage - not to mention his mischief, quick wit, beautiful blue eyes, winning smile, charm, and genuine affection for people he had met only once and those he knew all his life. Bentley was loved by people from all walks of life and always knew just what to say to brighten a person's day, show compassion, or share his wisdom.

Bentley was born in Groves, Texas, on July 16, 1917 to Lynn Paul and Lucia Provost Stansbury. He often told stories of the love, outstanding Cajun food, and the hard and good times shared with his family and extensive network of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He loved his time as a Sea Scout and adult Boy Scout leader, particularly because of the lifelong friends he made. Also Bentley’s commitment to the Catholic Church was nurtured by his parents and his faith was an essential element of his character for his entire life.

After graduating from Port Arthur High School in 1934, Bentley attended the University of Texas and joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Austin at Camp Mabry, he met Virginia Dare McNutt and their loving marriage of over 55 years began shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Upon receiving his commission from Officer Candidate School, Bentley deployed to the European Theater, ending his five years of service with the rank of Captain. As for many of his generation, the years following the war proved challenging for raising a family and establishing a livelihood. Along with his wife and two young sons (who were followed by two more sons and one daughter), Bentley settled in Beaumont and, with Virginia’s help and partnership, in 1950 he started his own independent insurance agency, B.P. Stansbury & Co. He often spoke of his gratitude to the families and businesses that trusted him.

Bentley’s dedication to the Catholic Church was illustrated through the many tasks he joyfully fulfilled. Through their years in Beaumont, Bentley and Virginia were very active in parish life, including at Assumption, St. Anthony’s, and St. Anne’s, and in the Pre-Cana program. Bentley was involved in the founding of Msgr. Kelly High School, then known as Central Catholic, and served on the MKHS board for nearly a decade, five of those years as board president. His dream was a Catholic education for all who wanted it, regardless of ability to pay tuition, and much of his work was dedicated to this dream. Bentley also served on the Diocesan Advisory Board; one of his proudest accomplishments was helping to set up a retirement program for the priests of the diocese.

In addition to his faith, Bentley was committed to serving the broader community through service on the Parkdale Bank Board, Business & Professional Men’s Club, Rotary Club, Optimist Club, and, dear to his heart, the Chokers Club. Bentley’s family was never quite sure which he loved more, playing golf or playing cards after playing golf.

Following Virginia’s death in 1997, Bentley returned to Austin. During this time he was fortunate to marry Marijohn Peterman. They were active in the community and loved their many get-togethers with family and friends. Most memorably, and orchestrated by Marijohn, was Bentley’s wonderful 90th birthday celebration in 2007. In 2013, more than 70 years after the start of his military service, Bentley was honored to attend the Camp Mabry jubilee celebration for those serving in WWII. Bentley attended St. Thomas More parish in northwest Austin and appreciated greatly the faith community there. He was also active as a volunteer at Seton Northwest Hospital.

Bentley is survived by his wife Marijohn Stansbury; sons Bentley Paul Stansbury, Jr., and wife Nancy of Manhattan Beach, California; David Stansbury and wife Mary Jo, of Luxembourg; John Stansbury and wife Lisa, of Austin Texas; daughter Mary Stansbury and husband Ed Fugikawa of Denver, Colorado; daughter-in-law Lisa Richardson Stansbury of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; as well as 13 grandchildren (Cory, Casey, Sarah, Bentley III, Mark, Matthew, Amy, Amanda, Elizabeth, Thomas, Katie, Molly, and David) and 7 great-grandchildren (Charlotte, Sullivan, Lucia, Brennan, Hadley, Shae, and Bentley IV). He is also survived by his cherished sisters Ethel Savoy and Lane Doré and a multitude of cousins. Bentley treasured the time he spent with Marijohn’s sons, Tim and Tom Frank, and their families.

Bentley was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia, brother Harry and his son, Charles Patrick.

We thank Heartland Health Center and Hospice Austin for their outstanding and compassionate care and Father Wade Russell for his spiritual guidance.

A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 AM followed by Mass at 11:00 AM on August 10th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10205 Ranch Road 620, Austin, TX 78726. Bentley’s ashes will be interred in Nederland at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Bentley & Virginia Stansbury to the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Beaumont, Inc. 710 Archie Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701. Donations may also be made in Bentley’s name to any of the many Native American organizations.