Kurt W. Bender

Kurt W. Bender was born April 8, 1925 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to Julius & Margaret Bender. He passed away Sunday, July 15, 2018. Kurt was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Marzelle. He is survived by his son Kurt Bender Jr. (Sue), daughters Ann Butts (Greg), Kay Jones (Bruce), five granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. As a youth, Kurt was active in the Boy Scouts of America in North Little Rock, ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm. Kurt was an All-State Tight End at North Little Rock High School and received a scholarship to finish high school at Gulf Coast Military Academy in Biloxi, Mississippi. Upon Graduation he served in the US Army Infantry Division. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the Leyte Island Invasion Campaign in World War II. He continued to serve his country, remaining active in the US Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Colonel before retiring. Upon completion of active duty, Kurt graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business and enjoyed a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, followed by a long retirement filled with hunting and travel. Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3802 N. Olive, North Little Rock, Ark. on Friday, July 20, 2018 and will begin at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Visitation with the family will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Church prior to the Service and will begin at 10 a.m. Immediately following the service, burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander, Ark. 72002. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72202.