Herbert Bruton

Herbert "Buddy" Bruton, 73, of Benton died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, at Saline Memorial Hospital. He was born March 16, 1934, in El Dorado, Ark., to Xeno and Audie Bruton. He attended school in El Dorado and played football for the El Dorado Wildcats. Buddy went on to play for Little Rock Junior College and the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Buddy and his wife, Pat Thompson of Little Rock, Ark., were married Jan. 5, 1954, in Little Rock.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eleanor Wallace.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; three children, Vicki Kimbell of Springdale, Ark., Ron (Rosemary) Bruton of Bryant, Ark., and Jeff (Lori) Bruton of Dublin, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His brother, Bill Bruton of Waxahachie, Texas, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews also survive him.

Buddy was an avid Razorbacks fan and loved gospel music, fishing and golf. He was a friend to many and he was happiest when surrounded by his family.

Services were Monday, Feb. 11, at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Burial was in Mulberry Cemetery in England, Ark.

Pallbearers were grandsons Briggs Bruton, Weston Weeks, Matt Kimbell, Andrew Kimbell, Shane Cauthen, Brandon Bruton and Carey Bostian.

The family requests memorials be made to Saline Memorial Hospice and Home Care.