Bobby Erwin

Bobby D. Erwin of Hot Springs, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 20, 2012. He was 78. Born March 23, 1934 in Benton, Arkansas, he was predeceased by his parents, Lester R. and Murvin Bowen Erwin; one sister, Lela B. Erwin Hines and two brothers, C.L. "Bugs" and E.W. "Buddy" Erwin. Bob, a local artist and Vietnam War Veteran, was a loving husband, father and true patriot. Over the course of 25 years he served in three branches of service - the Army, Navy and Air Force from which he retired in 1977 with the rank of Captain. Between services he graduated from Arkansas State University and was in hotel management with Holiday Inns of America in Dallas, Texas. He moved to Hot Springs in 1981 where he owned and operated art galleries in downtown Hot Springs. Missing military life, he became reemployed with the Department of Defense as a Billeting Officer (hotel manager). In 1989, he was assigned to Rhein Mein Air Base in Germany during Desert Storm/Shield. At every stage of his life, he won awards and recognition for his achievements. As a high school athlete in Benton, he made All-State Quarterback in 1951, USAF Most Valuable Player in the United Kingdom in 1957, was a designee to the Wall of Fame in Benton and won many art awards. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara Horne Erwin; three sons, Robby D. Erwin of Dallas, Texas, Toby Don and Tony L. Erwin both of Bryant; two step-daughters, Angela (Casey) McGuire of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Kimberly Manning of Hot Springs; four grandchildren, Hannah Manning of Hot Springs, Chris Naegele and Stevie (Ben) Marshall all of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Andrea (Brian) Dolezal of Hoisington, Kansas; one sister and brother-in-law, Venita and Richard Jacobs of Benton and many family members and friends who will miss him but rejoice in knowing that he is in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 24 at Ashby Funeral Home with the services beginning at 11 a.m Burial will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Full military honors will be provided by the Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.