Craig Alan (Keebler) Bentzel

Funeral services for Craig Alan (Keebler) Bentzel, 75, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 15, at His Place House of Worship, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

 

Mr. Bentzel passed away at 12:26 a.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at his home.

 

He was born August 9, 1948, at York, Pennsylvania, to Fred Dill and Olive Rebecca Girdley Bentzel. Mr. Bentzel was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. During the Vietnam War, he proudly served with the Seabees. Mr. Bentzel was a member of the Combat Vets and lifetime member of B.A.C.A. He was the manager of Frederick's Pizza and a floor inspector at Marathon Electric. Affectionately known as Keebler, Mr. Bentzel was a selfless man and was always willing to help others. He enjoyed playing Santa for children, especially children with special needs. He loved riding his bike with his buddies. Mr. Bentzel was a member of His Place House of Worship where he served on the security team and as an usher. He loved his friends and family, especially his grandchildren, and he was a papa to many.

 

He is survived by four children, Brandi Alterman and husband, Kelly, West Plains, Missouri, Candi Ford and husband, Rodney, West Plains, Missouri, Steven Harlan and wife, Jill, Jackson, Missouri, and Stacey Harlan, Pomona, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Presley Alterman, Jon Alterman, Kelly Alterman, Rebecca McKemie and husband, Brent, Abigail Ford and fiancé, Ryan, Laikin Harlan, Dawson Harlan, Takoda Harlan, Tinsley Harlan, Bailey Harlan, and Breanna Harlan; two great-grandchildren, Ansleigh and Owen; one brother, Marvin Massey; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends, including special friend, Susan Cockrum.

 

His parents, step-father, Gerald Massey, sister, Carrol Spears, brother-in-law, Rodney Spears, and many close friends preceded him in death.

 

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at His Place House of Worship. Burial will be at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Combat Vets, His Place Youth, or Rock Garden Christian Camp (for Special Needs) and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.