Lawrence Rae Bentley

Lawrence Rae Bentley, AKA Snake Man “Free Bites”, 85, of Springfield, IL passed away in the company of his family on Sunday July 17, 2022.

Larry was born in Springfield on September 13, 1936 and was the son of Frank L. Bentley and Frances E. (Wylie) Bentley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Lawrence Bentley; and his sister, Gwendolyn Frantz.

Larry is survived by his son, David Rae Bentley (Marcia); daughter Kim M. Bentley; daughter, Stacy S. Bentley (Chad Stott); 8 Grandchildren; 15 Great Grandchildren; sister, Judith Prichard (Jim) and brother, Corwin L. Bentley; as well as several Nieces and Nephews.

Larry served in the United States Army and worked for the American Red Cross for over 10 years. He had a passion for Herpetology (Study of Reptiles) and ran his own reptile exhibits in the central Illinois area. He was the owner and operator of the American Propagation Reptile Center. He also loved motorcycles and women. He was a drifter that had a passion for life.

There will be a graveside service held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Springfield on Monday July 25, 2022. Graveside services will begin at 11:45am with Military Honors. All wishing to attend will meet at the cemetery.

Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home, 530 North 5th St. Springfield, IL 62702 is in charge of arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the “Wildlife Warriors” https://wildlifewarriors.org.au/; originally called the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation

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