Bentz Charles Hester

Bentz Charles Hester, son of Francis Leroy Hester and LaVerna Pauline “Fusby” Hester was born July 10, 1943 in Watts, Oklahoma and departed this life November 21, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the age of 79. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the early 1960’s. After coming home from the Naval base in San Diego, he married the love of his life, Dorthy on July 17, 1964. To this union were added three daughters, three sons-in-law, six grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Bentz worked as a store manager at Sutherlands Lumber Company for many years. This job led him and his family to Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin before finally moving back to Oklahoma. Bentz and Dorthy opened the Western Auto Store in Westville and operated it for 16 years. Bentz worked as a dispatcher for Hudson Farms and eventually opened his own small engine repair shop where many stories were told and many hours were spent passing the time. Bentz was well known and thought of in the community that he served in so many ways. Bentz served as a volunteer fire fighter, reserve law officer, armed security officer at Westville Public Schools, City Council member, Utility Board member, Westville City Mayor, Civil Defense Team member and a 911 board member and a member of the Westville Jaycees. Bentz committed himself to the community. He wanted make it a better place to live. Bentz enjoyed traveling, camping, watching football and shooting the bull, telling a joke or two and laughing. Bentz loved dogs and always kept his furry friends close to his heart via his lap. Bentz loved reading the newspaper. He needed to be sure to stay up on the local and world happenings. You knew Bentz liked you if he was teasing you or if he gave you a nick-name. But Bentz’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family around the table on Sunday afternoons or any other time the family could get together. His eyes would light up any time he would see the grandkids making their way up the sidewalk and through the door. Bentz is preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers, Arnold, Danny, Vaden and Ronnie. Bentz is survived by his wife Dorthy of the home, his three daughters, Theresa (Allen) Hopton, Darla (Ricky) Williams and Laverna (Chuck) Helm all of Westville, Oklahoma. Six grandchildren: Tarrna (Brandon) Smith, Dustin (Amber) Williams, Dagan (Chrystal) Williams, Dalila (Neil) Schaub, Bentz (Megan) Helm and Bailey (Blaine Adams) Helm. Nine great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Nicolas, Kamden, Alexa, Hadley, Desmond, Deacon, Oakley, and Jaxon, one sister, Darlene Jones of Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, many nieces, nephews and other loved ones and friends.

Tributes

Bentz Charles Hester

July 10, 1943 - November 21, 2022