Mark Kevin Bentley

Mark Kevin Bentley, 68, born February 3, 1958, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, with the love of his life, Sandra, by his side, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He is now rejoicing in the arms of Jesus.

Mark was deeply devoted to his wife, Sandy, throughout their 31 years of marriage and served as the steadfast foundation of his family.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mark attended Walnut Ridge High School, Class of 1976. From an early age, he exhibited faith, loyalty, a strong work ethic, and quiet strength — qualities that would define the rest of his life.

He dedicated nearly five decades to public service with the State of Ohio, rising through investigative and enforcement leadership roles. His career began at a young age and culminated in distinguished positions, including Special Agent in Charge for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Special Investigations Department, Deputy Inspector General for the Ohio Office of the Inspector General, and Deputy Director and Enforcement Commander for the Ohio Department of Public Safety – Ohio Investigative Unit.

Mark was especially proud of his contributions to the Ohio Coingate scandal investigation while with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. He dedicated countless hours to the investigation, which uncovered nearly $14 million in missing funds associated with the rare-coin fund. The money had been stolen by the coin dealer who managed the fund on behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Although he officially retired from the BWC, Mark was not ready to stop working. He joined the Ohio Inspector General’s Office and later the Ohio Investigative Unit. Once at the OIU, he focused on fraud related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

He was instrumental in uncovering numerous methods of fraud committed against SNAP retailers and recipients. He was at the forefront of identifying skimmer-related fraud, as well as instances of Ohio benefits being stolen and used across the country.

Everyone who knew Mark quickly recognized his dedication and commitment. He was an outside-the-box thinker with a passion for uncovering fraud to protect all Ohioans. The agencies and people he worked with are better because of him, and he will be greatly missed.

People did not just love Mark — they relaxed around him.

People were naturally drawn to Mark’s sense of humor and the unmistakable spark behind it. He carried a constant smirk that usually meant something mischievous, playful, or unforgettable was about to happen. Whether he was teasing the kids, making lifelong friends laugh until they could barely breathe, or turning ordinary moments into stories people would tell for years, Mark had an endless ability to entertain those around him — it was simply part of who he was. Yet underneath the humor was a man people trusted deeply.

Some of the moments Mark cherished most included football, driving the Corvette, traveling on new adventures, cooking and hosting get-togethers, enjoying evenings at the casino with their friends, and spending time with the people he loved most. He had a deep appreciation for music, history, learning, and staying connected to the world around him.

Mark’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched — as a loyal husband, devoted father and grandfather, and the rock of his family.

Mark is preceded in death by his mother, Anne Kaye Bentley, and his father, Robert Merlin (Mary Alice) Bentley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Bentley; his children, Tamara (Paul) Groves, Jennifer Kittredge, Mark (Maren) Bentley, Philip (Melissa) Walker, Brittany Walker, Matthew (Janelle Hallett) Bentley, and Michael (Brooke Hollis) Bentley; his grandchildren, Madison Groves, Christian Groves, Hope Groves, Amelia Walker, Elle Kittredge, Madison Kennedy, Frank Bentley, Malachi Santos, Fredrik Bentley, and Wesley Walker; his great-grandchildren, Hazel Perez Groves and Klara Craft; his siblings, Debbie (Rick) Allen, Jenny (Michael) Evans, and Craig (Sharon) Bentley; along with extended family, lifelong friends, and colleagues.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 8, 2026 at:

Upper Arlington Lutheran Church – Mill Run

3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026.

Visitation will be held from 1:00–2:00 p.m.,

followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m.

The Memorial Service will be officiated by Pastor David White.

The family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences through Mark’s online obituary hosted by Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services (https://www.shaw-davis.com/obituaries/mark-bentley).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s honor to the Johns Hopkins Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer Research Program, supporting research dedicated to Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and the advancement of new treatments and therapies.

Online Donations:

Please visit the Johns Hopkins Barrett’s Esophagus Research Program secure online giving page. (LINK: https://pathology.jhu.edu/barretts-esophagus/donate )

Donations by Mail:

Make checks payable to The Johns Hopkins University and mail to:

Barrett’s Esophagus Research

Department of Pathology

Johns Hopkins Medicine

550 North Broadway, Suite 701B

Baltimore, MD 21205