Marion A. Van Dusen

Marion "Buddy" Anthony Van Dusen, 85, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away Oct. 21, 2026. He was born April 1, 1941, in Hot Springs to Marion Van Dusen and Irene Van Dusen.

Buddy served as a mechanic in the Arkansas Air National Guard for over 30 years. He also ran his own business surveying and doing percolation tests for septic systems, a job that endeared him to many people throughout Garland County.

A proud, lifelong resident of Hot Springs, Buddy attended St. John's Catholic School and graduated from Hot Springs High School. He later served St. John's Church in various roles including as bus driver, CYO sponsor and Parish Council member. He also volunteered at St. Michael's School every chance he got.

The roles he cherished most were husband to Brenda for 61 years, father to five children and grandfather to eight grandchildren. He was happiest when he, as he put it, "had all his treasures around him."

Buddy was preceded in death by his father and mother; sisters, Mary Van Dusen and Helen Phillips; brother, Joe Van Dusen; granddaughter, Isabel Van Dusen; and grandson, Flávio Augusto Rios-Abreu.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Van Dusen; sons, Chris (Teresa) Van Dusen, Tim (Susan) Van Dusen and Brian Van Dusen; daughters, Anne (Josh) Benfer and Laura (Sterling) Chase; and grandchildren, Betsy (Blake) Duca, Mary Van Dusen, Jacen Benfer, Owen Benfer, Dottie Irene Chase and Luiz Carlos (Sara Maxwell) Rios-Abreu.

A celebration of Buddy's life will be held at a later date with details to be announced by the family.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at Brookfield Assisted Living for their love and care of Buddy and Brenda.

Memorials may be made to the Morgan Adams Foundation.

Online Condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.

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