Bentley B. “Monk” Hinman, age 85, of Plano, Texas, passed away October 9, 2012. Monk was born May 11, 1927, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Clarence Thomas and Esther (Campbell) Hinman. He married Lillian Sumner on January 26, 1961 in North Carolina.
Monk and Lil enjoyed 51 years together. Many years were spent running a restaurant where Monk was loved by his customers and employees. He treated everyone like family which meant lots of teasing and practical joking. He loved jazz music, playing cards and fishing.
After retiring from the restaurant, he became a successful real estate investor.
He was 'Papa' to four granddaughters and loved to sing them silly songs and hear them play the piano. Papa was always ready to babysit for Rachel because they both enjoyed napping and chocolate. He and Jennifer spent many spring days planting flowers and winter days decorating the yard for Christmas. Lauren has great memories of beach house vacations where Papa taught her the "Alice" song and wore her pink hat. Kristin and Papa spent many hours playing monopoly even though he always complained when she won. All his grandchildren agree that he was generous as well as 'goofy'.
He is survived by his wife, Lillian Hinman of Plano, Texas; son, Bruce Bell, also of Plano; daughters, Monica Smart and husband, Lex of Dallas, Texas and Linda Norris and husband, Ed of Plano, Texas; and grandchildren, Rachel Norris, Jennifer Smart, Lauren Smart, and Kristin Smart.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 15, 2012, at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. Family and friends are invited to the funeral home at their convenience on Sunday to pay their respects and to sign the register book.