Graveside Services for Robert Edward Bentz will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 16, 2012 at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum with Bro. William Smith Officiating. Robert Edward Bentz, 92 of Monroe died peacefully, Wednesday morning, March 14, 2012 at his residence after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by one granddaughter, Natalie Bentz Lenard and his first wife, Virginia Elmore Bentz. Survivors include: Son, Bobby Bentz and wife Debbie; Daughter, Jayne St. Pierre; Son, Randy Bentz and wife Tiffany; Daughter, Melanie Bentz and husband Ben Powell. 10 Grandchildren, Ashlee Bentz, Danielle Honaker, Robbie Bentz, Andre' St. Pierre, Hunter Bentz, Lily Hart, Tanner Bentz, Nolan Bentz, Sylvia Powell, and Harry Powell and 5 Great Grandchildren. Bob, affectionately known as “The Old Man” and “The Hawk”, moved to the Monroe area in the 20's with his parents and siblings. They started the first ice company in this area, Bentz Ice Co. He enlisted in the US Naval Coast Guard at age 18 and was stationed in Boston, Mass. While in the service he married “Miss Ouachita Parish,” Virginia Elmore. After his honorable discharge he returned to Monroe with Gynny to reside and establish Bentz and Elmore Construction Company with Gynny's brother, Earsel Elmore. After a flourishing career in heavy highway construction, he and his youngest daughter, Melanie, began operating R.E.Bentz, Inc. Crushed Stone , and A World Of Stone at their rail terminal located on Texas Avenue in Monroe. He lived to work and devote himself to contributing for a better community. In the last decade “Pappy” devoted much of his time to Melanie and her children. He will be missed dearly as he soars across the Great River. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Monroe, LA.