Robert E. "Buddy" Wirges

Robert E. "Buddy" Wirges, (79), of Benton, formerly of North Little Rock, passed away February 3, 2015. Buddy was born April 9, 1935 in Little Rock to the last Joseph and Elizabeth Wirges. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Joseph "Joe", Charles "Charley" and Eugene "Gene". Mr. Wirges formerly worked in the Arkansas Gazette composing room and retired from CustomKraft Industries Inc., which he founded in 1982. He and his wife, Betsy Ann moved to Benton after retiring in 1997. They were members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2587. The also served as State Directors of the National Campers and Hikers Association for 17 years from 1965 to 1982. After retiring, they worked for Indianapolis 500 Speedway during the season for eight years. He enjoyed hunting, as well as, metal and wood-working. He and his wife built their own home in Saline County in 1992. He is survived by his wife Betsy of 59 years; daughter Kathy Engelen (Pat) of Rosamond, Calif.; three sons, Robert Alan (Nelwyn) of Sherwood, Ark., Gary (Ann) of North Little Rock and Daryl (Leslie) of Paris, Texas; 14 grandchildren, Linda, Sandra, Bobby, Stephen, Melissa, Laura, Rachel, Stephanie, Aaron, Jonathan, Samuel, Jacinda, Matthew and Jennifer; and seven great-grandchildren, Alana, Sage, Blaine, Amy Joy, Victoria, Alexandra and Hailey. Also leaves his special pet and service dog, Chief a Siberian Husky of 12 years. Visitation will be Thursday, February 5th from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed immediately by the Rosary at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 900 West Cross St., Benton, Ark. Funeral Mass will be 2:30 pm Friday, February 6th, also at the church, with Father James West officiating. Interment to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Forest Hills. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.