George W. "J.R." Bentley Jr.

 

George W. "J.R." Bentley Jr., 84, of Warren, Indiana, formerly of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 11:29 a.m., on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Parkview Huntington Hospital in Huntington, Indiana. He was born on October 12, 1941, to George W. and Helen (Amsden) Bentley in Grant County, Indiana.

J.R. graduated from Jefferson High School in 1959. He married Carol Jean Keiffer on June 17, 1960, at the Banquo Christian Church. J.R. retired from farming and from being a school bus driver for MSD for 30 years where he also drove the Southwood Knights to many sporting events. He was a member of Banquo Christian Church where he served as an Elder and Deacon for many years. J.R. was a former 4-H leader in Wabash and Huntington County.

J.R. is survived by his wife, Jean Bentley of Warren, Indiana; four daughters, Jody (Greg) Friermood of Marion, Indiana, Jill (Denny) Owen of Cromwell, Indiana, Joni (Tim) Michael of Whitestown, Indiana, Jani (Jim) Brinson of Kokomo, Indiana; five grandchildren, Heidi (Kevin) Gusa of McKinney, Texas, Kyle (Caitlynn) Friermood of Pittsboro, Indiana, Kevin Friermood of Madison, Wisconsin, Ethan Michael, Evan Michael, both of Whitestown, Indiana; two great grandchildren, Grayson Friermood and Wrenley Friermood; one sister, Betty Zimmerman of Warren, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Margaret Bentley of Warren, Indiana; one brother-in-law Robert Keiffer of LaFontaine, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack Bentley, one sister, Mary "Bee" Ulrich.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street., LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor Harold Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Etna Cemetery in Mount Etna, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Preferred memorials can be directed to the Banquo Christian Church, 8924 S. 900 W35, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with George W. "J.R." Bentley Jr.'s final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

James Coldren

James W. Coldren, 91, passed away at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at his home in El Cajon, California. He was born on May 11, 1935, to James D. and Florence (Bright) Coldren in Richvalley, Indiana.

Fresh out of Linlawn High School, Jim enlisted in the Navy and embarked on his career and newly found travels. He quickly met his wife, Claudia Frazer, while stationed in California and raised 3 daughters in their 52 years together before her passing in 2009.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1974. Upon retirement, he and his family left Groton, Connecticut and settled in El Cajon to begin civilian life. He became an iconic fixture while employed at the San Diego Yacht Club and the Del Mar Fair.

He enjoyed traveling by van across the country with annual pilgrimages “back home to Indiana” to visit various statewide businesses, festivals, events, as well as family and many friends. Family members fondly recall that he never met a stranger. His last solo journey was in June, 2026.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Sheila Petticord, Idaho, and Susan Baldwin, California; grandsons, Douglas Winter and Brandon Baldwin, California; William and Corey Winter, Arkansas; proxy son, Frank Baldwin, California; sisters, Anita Scott, California, and Rachel Buzbee, Indiana; Robin Inman, New York; brothers, Rex Coldren, Montana, and Michael Coldren, New York; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews from New York to California.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Claudia; daughter, Sharon; brothers, Joseph (Joe), Paul, and Bruce.

Upcoming services will be at Riverside National Cemetery, California on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the American Legion or V.F.W. of Wabash.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com