Springfield Doctor and Humanitarian John D. Bentley Passes Away at 88

The city of Springfield is mourning the loss of an icon.

City officials say Dr. John Bentley passed Friday at age 88 after a long and illustrious career as a physician and humanitarian in southwest Missouri.

Bentley spent 35 years as a doctor in a private practice as a cardiologist.

He had previously spent four years as an aviator in the Navy.

In 1985, Bentley helped establish the Kitchen Clinic, and volunteered as the Medical Director, serving the poor and homeless in Springfield and surrounding areas.

He also worked as the Medical Director and family practitioner for the Jordan Valley Community Health Center following his retirement in 2003 well into his 80s.

Funeral services for Bentley will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday March 18 at St. Agnes Cathedral. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday March 17 at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.