of North Little Rock, AR
April 8, 1925 - July 15, 2018
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, AR on Friday, July 20, 2018 and will begin at 11am 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 10am.
Immediately following the service, burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander, AR 72002.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Kurt & Family- So very sorry for the loss of your Dad, he was an amazing man! I always enjoyed Lake Norfork conversations and evening toddies with "The Colonel", and wanted you to know that he was a huge inspiration to me as a young man. Unfortunately I was not able to be there today; but want you to know that my thoughts are with you & family. Neil Vaccari & Sarah
Sorry to hear of your loss!! Prayers and Sympathy to you and your family.
The Vaccari's
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Mr. Bender for several years and he was such a special man to me. My prayers are with your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bender family.
Curt Jr. and Family.
Shared many a fond memory with your Dad both on and off our jobs a SWBT, best were at his duck club, I'll admit. Great guy, good friend.
God bless,
Forrest Reynolds
Brownsville, Texas