Mark Bentley died Dec. 14, a few days after his 48th birthday, at his home in Oak Lawn.
Born in 1960 in El Paso, Texas, Bentley had lived in the Dallas area since 1983 and had recently retired from Texas Instruments after 25 years with the company. He was instrumental in designing a sophisticated international asset tracking system that saves the technology giant hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
Bentley loved cars, road trips, cutting-edge electronics, everything in music from old-style country to classical, and socializing with friends at Buli Café and J.R.’s on Cedar Springs. He also loved to take friends to his beloved Chuy’s Mexican restaurant on Knox-Henderson and frequently trekked to Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth on Sunday afternoons. He was a proud, giving man, loyal to his friends and always willing to step up and lend a hand to anyone in need. Erudite and outgoing with a quick wit, he always had those around him in stitches, telling some of the most memorable anecdotes imaginable from living out and proud in the community.
Bentley is survived by two older brothers, Kevin Bentley of San Francisco, and another brother in El Paso. He is an alumnus of the University of Texas at El Paso.
He will be truly missed by his family, friends and co-workers, who will join together at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, on the balcony at J.R.’s for a celebration of his life. Memorial donations may be made to any organizations supporting the Oak Lawn community.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition January 2, 2009.
Mark was a Great friend of mine back in our high school days…aww..Marching Band days! HA HA…wouldn’t have been the same without him! He was truly a remarkable person. He was so accepting of people, giving, and kind. He was definitely a one of a kind person. His quick wit and intelligence can not be matched. He will truly be missed.
I have very fond memories of the truly stupid things that we did and laughed about! I wouldn’t have missed knowing Mark for the world! Always, Toni
I got to know Mark when I was pretty young. It was so great to have someone like him to look up as a positive role model in our community. I loved hearing his stories and talking to him to no end about computers and cars.
Mark, you will be missed by many. I know the Crossroads Crews thoughts and prayers will be with you always.