1SGT (Ret) Bobby Vincent Hardison

Bobby Vincent Hardison, 70, of St. Robert, Missouri, entered eternal rest on August 3rd, 2026. He was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Bobby was born on June 18, 1956 in Corona, California, to Dorothy and Richard E. Hardison. He dedicated his life to serving not only his family, but his country as well. Bobby committed 24 years and 10 months of his life to the United States Army. During his time of service, he completed tours in various places throughout the United States, including overseas with multiple assignments in Germany and South Korea. Not only was he a decorated boxer in the army, but he was also an assistant Rapple Master, training over 1,800 cadets, officers, and soldiers during classes and special events without incident and assisted in the development of new tactical rappelling techniques. Additionally, he served in the Gulf War in 1991, deploying to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm where he was a platoon Sergeant. Bobby received the Combat Patch of the 8th Infantry Division among other awards. His platoon had the highest scores in weapons qualifications, pistols, rifles, M203 grenade launchers, and M60 machine guns of all platoons to include HQ platoons. After the war, he was stationed in Alabama where he operated as Special Reaction Team (SRT) Senior Instructor and assistant Team Leader. While serving in South Korea as Company First Sergeant, he oversaw the largest military police company there. Bobby was an MSG Operation Sergeant working in Special Operations at the 8th MP Brigade from 1997-1998. The following year, his company was deployed to Hungary and Croatia where he was tasked to accompany the Company Commander, the Company 1st Sergeant and the Movement Officer, and Second Lieutenant to Hungary, then Croatia to secure the area of operations. Upon completing this mission, he and his team returned to Hungary/Croatia as part of the Stabilization Force where he served another 4-6 months. Bobby continued as MSG Operation Sergeant in the United States, working for another year before retiring in 2000. Following this, he became an instructor for the SRT where he worked for 23 years before he retired in 2023. Beyond his military career, Bobby found fulfillment in religion. At the tender age of 10, he submitted his life to God and remained devoted to the faith. Bobby rededicated his commitment to Christ and was a regular attendant at the Soldier Memorial Chapel at Fort Leonard Wood. In his personal life, he had a love for bowling, boxing, films, cars, quail hunting, and staying up to date with the latest tech and gadgets. His strong demeanor, steadfast tenacity, and unrelenting commitment to duty and honor was something to be envied. Although he was a man of few words, his profound care and affection for those in his life was unwavering and apparent in his thoughtful actions and immense generosity. His strength will be forever remembered. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Richard E. Hardison and his sister, Deborah Hardison. He is survived by his children, Robert Hardison, Vinchelle Hardison, and Ladarion Hardison; his grandchildren Ayanna, Zoriah, Imani, and Jahzara; his siblings Yolanda James and Richard Hardison, II; and his nieces and nephews, Andre M. Smith (Dianne), Leilani Jackson (Saiking), James Downing, IV (Ricki), and Brittany Greco (Jean Paul). Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Burial with full military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Arrangements were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of 1SGT (Ret) Bobby Hardison and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

1SGT (Ret) Bobby Vincent Hardison

June 18, 1956 - August 3, 2026