Robert "Bob" Burrell Bennett

Robert (Bob) Burrell Bennett, 79, of Benton passed away peacefully on Dec. 2, 2014. Bob was born on Dec. 24, 1934 in Van Buren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Bennett and Norma Gooding Bennett, as well as his twin brothers, Charles Bennett (Eve) and Tommy Bennett. Bob is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Osborne Bennett, and his daughters, Cari Bennett and Laura Bennett Cox (Brian); granddaughter, Olivia Cox; grandson, Bennett Cox; brothers, Bill Bennett (Sue), John Bennett (Lynda); sister, Susie Bennett Green (Phil); his friend and the mother of his children, Mary Wiederkehr Bennett; nieces; nephews; cousins and friends whom he loved dearly. Bob's first job was a paper route in Fort Smith at the age of 9 and he was a hard worker his entire life. He graduated from Fort Smith High School before attending University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, which he loyally supported over the years because of his deep appreciation for that organization. Drafted during college, he served as a draftsman in the U.S. Army during the Korean War while stationed in England. Upon graduation from U of A he moved to California and found work as an engineer. He left his engineering job to start a tunneling construction business. After four successful years as a general contractor he became fascinated by the profitable real estate market and started a real estate and property management company. Bob never really retired and enjoyed the art of the deal until his final days. For many years he enjoyed splitting his time between California and Arkansas. He chose to spend the last few years of his life in his beloved state of Arkansas. Bob was a quiet, kind, and goodhearted person who was always willing to help others. He will be dearly missed. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, with a visitation beginning at 11:30 prior at Ruebel Funeral Home Chapel, 6313 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander, AR 72002. Memorial contributions can be made to St. James United Methodist Church, Little Rock, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr, Little Rock, AR 72212. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.