Robert J. "Bob" Polantz

Robert J. "Bob" Polantz, 81, of Cabot, Arkansas, with his family at his side, ended his battle with cancer August 4, 2015. He fought a good battle and is now at peace. He was born March 6, 1934 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late John J. and Stella Machowski Polantz. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, May Lee Pickard Polantz; two sons, David J. Polantz (Lynn) and Daniel E. Polantz, both of Cabot; brother-in-law, Carl Pickard of Cabot; and sister-in-law, Pat Smith of Fayetteville; three nephews and three nieces, along with several cousins and aunts in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and other extended family and a host of friends in this area. Bob graduated from Ferndale High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1953. He served four years in the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he came to LRAFB in1956 and met his wife, May Lee, then never left Arkansas. He was employed at Benny's Auto Repair under the GI Bill where he learned the auto repair business. In 1968 he op0ened a two bay garage in Cabot and named it "Bob's Garage". In 1971 he built four more bays and his two sons are still operating the business. He remained active in the garage until the last two years. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church since 1957 where he was active in teaching Sunday school and other activities at church. He was a band supporter when his sons were in school. He was always ready to help. Bob loved fishing for trout on the Little Red River with his friends, Harold Hill, W.O. Goff and later Phil Haymes. After his battle with cancer began, he and Walter Hale were busy building different items on Bob's good days. He loved working with his hands. A very special thanks to all the wonderful people at Hospice who so loving cared for Bob and his family the past week. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116, or a charity of their choice. Family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2015, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Care provider. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.