ALTON - Robert Earl Hatfield, Sr., 87, passed away at 9:55 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Morningside of Godfrey.

He was born on December 19, 1928 in Bridgeton, New Jersey, the son of Ezra Earl and Margaret Culp-Leach Hatfield.

Bob married Darlene Yvonne Knight on April 15, 1951 at Evangelical and Reform Church in Alton. She preceded him in death on July 23, 1983.

Robert was a member of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict continuing service in the Army Reserve until retiring in 1988. He retired as Senior Vice President of Advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi in New York City. Earlier employment included Advertising Executive for BBDO in Chicago and Auto Advertising at the Alton Evening Telegraph. He was a proud and active member of Lake Ozark Christian Church, he also served the Remington Society and the Lake of the Ozark VFW post 6514.

Upon his retirement, Bob jumped into Lake Life, promoting the best Lake Ozark had to offer. Joining the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, he was instrumental in the promotion of the Jazz Festival, and hammered through the process of bringing Habitat for Humanity to the Lake. As a friend and ardent supporter of Special Olympics, Bob recognized a need in area communities for a facility that provides sustenance and other emergency assistance. This resulted in the formation of Hope House of Miller County, Missouri, a faith based volunteer organization.

He is survived by two children, Gwen (Tom) Riney of Alton, Susie (David) Bennett of Columbia, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Peggy Hatfield of Lombard, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Sam (Jessica) Riney of Alton, Katelyn Hatfield of Lombard, Illinois, Megan (Justin) Riley of Columbia, Missouri, Emily (Steven) Hejna of Alton, Illinois, Michael (Teri) Hatfield of Lombard, Illinois, Jaime (Rob) Zumwalt of Libertyville, Illinois, and Alexander (Cassey) Bennett of Columbia, Missouri. Sixteen great-grandchildren, Sophia and William Zumwalt, Jackson and Landon Riley, Alexa and Lucas Hatfield, Henry and Zoey Bennett, Benjamin, Adam and Ryan Hejna, Patrick and Eva Riney, Connor, Alana, and Kaden Jausel; and one sister, Colene Page of Godfrey.

In additional to his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by a son, Rev. Dr. Robert (Rob) Hatfield Jr.; two sisters, Dorothy Wethington and Virginia Folmer; and his brother-in-law, Don Page.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016 at the Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, Illinois. Visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. service on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, at the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Godfrey, with Pastors Jerry MeCaskey and Gary Mitchell officiating.

Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park, with the Alton VFW Post 1308 doing military honors.

Memorials may be made to Hope House. www.hopehouseofmillercounty.org.

Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.