Resthaven Funeral Home: Bentley Dell Baylor, who passed away on December 2, 2019, was born on June 15, 1940, the firstborn of his parents Anna Jo and Wilson  William “Bill” Baylor of Odem, Texas. His sister Roxie Ann Baylor was born almost exactly 8 years later. Bentley graduated from Odem High School in 1958. He was a lifelong resident of Odem all of his 79 years.

Bentley began learning the cattle business at a very early age. His admiration for older businessmen in his family and community led him to become a student of what made them successful. He began to learn from his great grandfather, Norman Smith, who brought the first medical doctor to Odem, and who established what is now the Smith Gin Co-op. Bentley learned to be a cattleman from Joe MCullough, a brilliant cattleman, whose herd Bentley bought near the end of Joe’s life and Baylor Ranches was born. Bentley spent countless hours with his Uncle “Mon.” A lifelong student, Bentley learned everything he could and was ready to pass that knowledge along to anyone willing to learn.

Bentley’s true interest was in horses. He was an excellent horseman—he excelled at cutting horse competition including winning the NCHA Futurity Limited Non-pro Reserve Champion in 1995 as well as other cutting horse awards.

Bentley’s greatest accomplishment, however, was his family. He is survived by his sons and daughters:  Rocky Brent Baylor and his wife Lisa of Odem, William Lance Baylor also of Odem, and Leslie Baylor Starr of Wimberly, Texas.

Bentley has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately refer to him as “Baddog.” Grandchildren of Bentley Baylor are: granddaughter Brittany Brent Baylor and great grandsons Hollis and Brady, granddaughter Bellamy Baylor Andrews and her husband Zachary and great granddaughters Brylee and Emily, grandson Shane Dell Baylor, grandson William Blaine Baylor, granddaughter Lacie LeAnn Baylor, grandson Zach Starr, grandson Brady Starr, and grandson Dillon Starr.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019, 9:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Odem. The Funeral Service will follow, 10:00 AM at the church. Interment will be Evergreen Cemetery, Odem. Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com