Robert Merwin Bentley, age 94, of Spring Valley, CA, passed away June 24, 2014. He was born in Modesto, CA on May 31, 1920 to Mildred H. Moran and Paul Bentley. He grew up in Los Angeles with his mother and they moved to San Diego when he was about 11 years old. He attended Grossmont High School and the Civilian Conservation Core. He helped build campsites throughout the Cuyamaca and Laguna mountains. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18 and served a total of 7 years. He was a Pear Harbor survivor of the USS Oklahoma. He reenlisted later and served on the USS Strong. He received a Purple Heart of Honor. In 1947 Bob married Irene Besenyei of Cleveland, OH. They settled in Spring Valley, CA on property his mother purchased in 1936. Bob and Irene had two daughters, Louise and Doris. Bob was employed as a truck driver and industrial supply salesman. He enjoyed family camping trips to nearby mountain campsites and also had a large vegetable garden every year. He had his own saw sharpening business for many years after retiring. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Pearl Harbor Survivors and VFW. Bob is survived by his wife Irene of 67 years, two daughters, Louise Castaneda and Doris Alexandros, his sister, Sue Vouri of Concord, CA, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. He will always be remembered for his generosity, love of his family and friends, and sense of humor.
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