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, 2024, 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 owner of Dixie Cream Donuts, and he was the manager of Frederick’s Pizza. He was also the Chico Man (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, stepfather, 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.
DELORES A HORNER
March 12, 2024 @ 10:11 am
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. CRAIG WAS A GREAT GUY & WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR MANY YEARS. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS LAUGH & HIS INFECTIOUS SMILE. HE WILL BE MISSED & I WAS GLAD THAT I SAW & TALKED TO HIM AT OUR REUNION. GOD SPEED OLD FRIEND.
Donna Newberry
March 12, 2024 @ 11:30 am
Craig’s family so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for peace in your heart.
Noble and Donna Newberry
Amber Redburn
March 12, 2024 @ 8:17 pm
The Bentzel Families,
My parents, Norris & Ivene Cozort, and I send our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Craig. Wonderful memories and times at Frederick’s Pizza in talking, visiting, and enjoying Craig’s company while eating pizza. My sister and I spent many a night there while in High School at WPHS with friends enjoying Craig’s hospitality while enjoying the pizza he made. He always had a smile and a great personality for his friends(just like you Abigail). He will be missed! Prayers for all of you daily at this time and may God provide each of you strength, peace, encouragement, and comfort daily. May God bless all of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Amber(Cozort)Redburn(aka Mrs. Amber)
Sandy thomas
March 12, 2024 @ 10:17 pm
So sorry for your loss He was a great man
Kathy Browning Judd
March 13, 2024 @ 1:59 am
I met Craig many years ago when he had the donut shop. Was a good boss & a wonderful friend to have. Had a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many. Sending prayers for peace to the family.
Dominic Casper
March 13, 2024 @ 12:11 pm
Sorry for your loss,it was a pleasure to meet and get to know him,kind and gentle soul.
Trish Cotter
March 21, 2024 @ 1:58 pm
Craig was my boss at Frederick’s Pizza for years. He was always in a good mood and had a witty sense of humor. The customers just loved him, as did we all. He will be missed by many.