Robert "Bob" Lensing

Robert "Bob" Lensing, 76, of Fort Smith, died Jan. 2, 2013, in Durham, N.C. He was born Dec. 10, 1936, in Paris, Ark. to Joe and Mary Anna Anhalt Lensing. He was a 1954 graduate of Scranton High School and married Rosetta Kern in Morrison Bluff, Ark., on April 12, 1958. He became a newspaper contractor at the Southwest Times Record in 1960 and continued in that capacity for 27 years. In 1972 he purchased Stapleton Ladder Company, a small business that made special purpose folding ladders for insurance adjusters. Under Bob's ownership, Stapleton expanded to include a full line of wood folding ladders and became a major supplier for Wal-Mart Corporation. Over time Bob founded or acquired several other businesses, including REL Products, Stampco, and HT Tucker Duck and Awning. Bob earned tremendous respect from his many partners, co-workers, and employees as a talented and generous entrepreneur, manager, manufacturer, and property developer. His greatest gift, however, is the legacy of love and dedication he leaves for his large and grateful family. He is survived by his wife Rosetta of the Home; two daughters, Cyndi and husband Edwin Hamor of Clarksville and Michele Lensing of Fort Smith; four sons, Glen and wife Robin Lensing of Fort Smith, Jerry and wife Linda Lensing of Fort Smith, Patrick and wife Dawn Lensing of Fort Smith, and Kevin and wife Candace Lensing of Austin, Texas; one sister, Kay Smith of North Little Rock, Ark.; three brothers, Charles Lensing of Fort Smith, Wilfred Lensing of Jonesboro, Ark., and Ron Lensing of North Little Rock, Ark.; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Vigil will be Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at 6 p.m. in Christ the King Catholic Church, and Mass will be said on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Catholic Church. Cremation will follow the Mass and inurnment of cremains will be at a later date in Christ the King Columbarium all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 2000 South Greenwood Fort Smith, Ark. 72901 or the Subiaco Academy 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 72865. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.