Norman Daniel Bentley, was born September 24, 1939 in Kirksville, MO and passed away on March 7, 2026 at Pioneer Care Center in Marceline, MO. Norman was raised by his grandparents, Daniel and Josephine Bentley and lived his entire life in or near Keytesville with the exception of time spent serving his country with the U.S. Army.
Norman attended Keytesville elementary and high school, graduating in 1957. Upon graduation he worked at local businesses until 1963 when he entered the U.S. Army. He was trained in electronic, in operation and repair of the Hawk Missile Launcher. He was honorable discharged on March 5, 1969 from Ft. Bliss, Tx. Upon returning to Keytesville after completing active military duty he became employed at the Bank of Keytesville. Norman retired at the end of 2005 from the successor, Citizen Bank & Trust, with 41 years of service and a total of 49 years of total full-time employment including military time.
In addition to his employment, he participated in community activities including Senior Housing Board, City Council, Sterling Price Days, Community Center Board, Chamber of Commerce, Taylor Park Board, and his favorite, Keytesville Fire Department where he served 24 years, most of them as Chief. Beginning in 1991 he was the trustee of the Dred and Lula Finnell Trust and served on the Finnell Trust Board since its inception in 1996. He was a member of the Rucker McAllister American Legion Post #7 in Brunswick, MO. He loved his family pets, raising calves, yard work, woodworking, and sunshine. Having seen a number of dry years he never complained about too much rain.
Norman and Judy Colley, also of Keytesville were married June 25, 1966 and lived their entire married life in Keytesville.
Norman is survived by his wife Judy of the home, brothers Junior (Denise) Littleton and Jerry (Laurinda) Littleton, Keytesville, Bob Littleton, Dalton, sister, Sandy (Gene) Gooch, Brunswick, 3 first cousins Willis Leonard, Julia Gaw, Glennus Oxley and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4-6:00 p.m. at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury. Funeral Services are Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Summerville Funeral Home with burial in Asbury Cemetery south of Keytesville. Memorials may be made to the Larry’s Warrior Foundation or Asbury Cemetery Association.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
