Hoyt Walker Benge

Lt. Col. Hoyt Walker Benge, age 90, of Little Rock, died March 26, 2012. He is survived by his children, Roger (Terry) Benge of Little Rock, Kay (Micheal) Kelly of Flint, Mich., and Charlotte Pluchinsky; his brother, Jack Benge (Kathryn); and a very special daughter-in-law, Sue Clayton; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Deanie "Duchess" Benge, his brother, Emmett Benge, and son, Hoyt Benge Jr. He was a fighter pilot in WWII, flying mainly P51's and P38's, he flew 61 combat missions, he landed a P47 on its belly after being shot down in the European Theatre, he retired his military service with the Air National Guard where he flew RF101's. He enjoyed playing country music on his guitar or fiddle, and loved playing golf, where he could hit the ball a country mile. He was a 32 Degree Mason, and worked for 555 and retired from Mid State Automotive. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Ruebel Funeral Home, Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday at 1 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Good Shepherd Nursing Home, and requests that in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Good Shepherd Nursing Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.