ROBERT "BOB" W. HALL

Final Flight on January 15, 2016

Robert "Bob" W. Hall, MSgt USAF (Retired)

October 16, 1948 - January 15, 2016

Retired USAF Master Sergeant Robert W. Hall, 67, of Belleville, IL, born October 16, 1948, in Sterling, KS, died Friday, January 15, 2016, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Mr. Hall served three tours of duty in Viet Nam with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, “Green Hornets”, during his Air Force career and received a purple heart as well as numerous other medals of honor. He later retired from civil service at Scott Air Force Base.  Robert was a master of all “fix-it” projects.  He was a generous and giving man, and above all, a loving husband and father. Robert was a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles M. and Opal O., nee Ault, Hall.

Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Vicki L., nee Worley, Hall, whom he married on April 20, 1985; four children, Robert (Winter) Hall of Belleville, IL, Jonathan (Chalis) Hall of Fairview Heights, IL, Katy Hall of Belleville, IL, and Shay Hall Rowan of Austin, TX; one brother, Charles (Robin) Hall of Florida; and one sister, Trudy Lawson of Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center, 320 Todd Center Dr., Columbia, IL 62236.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2016, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016, at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Dale Coleman officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at St. George Episcopal Memorial Garden, Belleville, IL.

GUEST BOOK

Bob was one of my best Green Hornet brothers. Those of us who had the privilege to serve with him and witness his heroism firsthand will never forget him. His cheerfulness and optimism always managed to lift our spirits. After the war, his selfless efforts kept many of our Hornet family members together over the years. His loss is truly irreplaceable. Rest in peace brother. RT

~

Alfonso "RT" Rivero, Santa Clarita, CA, 91390

Robert was a master gunner with me in Viet Nam, and an excellent NCOIC while working for me (or I for him), in the Weapons and Tactics Division, 20th SOS, Hurlburt Field, Florida, in 1980-81. He was a self-starter, needing no supervision, and is responsible for much of the weapons and tactics still in use by special operations. In addition to that, he was a good man, ready to do anything for a friend. Bob will be sorely missed.

~

Call-Me-Chick Svoboda, Clearwater, Florida, 33767

You will be missed by your brothers who served with you in the 20th Helicopter squadron.

~

Frank Trupiano, Wentzville, MO., 63385

Even though I didn't serve at the same time with Bob in Vietnam, I have gotten to know him over the years at a number of reunions & was able to spend time with him in Vegas this past year. He will be greatly missed by all the Hornets.

~

Kevin A. Byrne, Cheyenne, WY. 82001

You earned it Robert, you earned it! You have been a good man and an American hero for which your family, your country, and all of us who served with you are particularly proud and blessed. I pray that your family is comforted at this time and knowing that you are watching over them and I would expect all of us from beyond the vale. Thank you for so valiantly protecting my six.

~

David Spencer, Eagle, Idaho, 83616

Had the privilege of knowing Bob for several years. He was always outstanding with his friends. They seemed to come first in his life. A great man called to early.

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Robert G Davis, Calhan, Colorado, 80808

I had already served my “Green Hornet” tour in Vietnam prior to Bob’s tour, so I didn’t have the opportunity to fly with him in combat. Bob and I served together as we were re-activating the 20th SOS at Hurlburt Field, FL. in the 1975-76 time frame. I recognized right away that Bob’s experience, dedication and love of the 20th SOS would be a major strength for the unit. Bob’s leadership, his ability to innovate and implement procedures and his knowledge of weapons systems and how they would help the 20th SOS accomplish their missions proved an invaluable asset. A true warrior, American hero and patriot, who will never be forgotten. Bob was a long time true friend of mine and a fellow “Green Hornet” and I will miss him and his sense of humor very much. God rest his soul.

~

James (Jim) Burns, Navarre, FL., 32566

It has been my honor to served with Bob as a Brother Green Hornet. He will be missed but always remembered.My condolences to the family.

~

James Green, Rochester, IN, 46975

It's been 40 odd years & seems like last week, but thanks to all the Hornets and say hello to the ones who have gone Winchester before us. Thanks for a life well spent! George

~

George Livingston, Davenport, Washington, 99122

What do I write? Bob is a loss for his family, his "Brothers-in-Arms", his professional friends, and his country. Bob was a personal friend of mine since I met him in 1970 or so. I am deeply saddened at his passing, and truly at a loss of words. May God comfort his family, and his "family", as he has been taken to serve a "Higher Power".

~

Tommy Kitchens (TK), Collinsville, Alabama, 35961

RIP Bob. You were truly one-of-a-kind. Russ

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Russ Reffitt, Valparaiso, FL, 32580

I'm at a total loss for words. I was exchanging emails with Bob just a few months ago. Bob, thank you for who you are, for the love you showed your Green Hornet brothers and for the memories you've left for us to ponder and enjoy. We pray for God to embrace you and bring comfort to your family. Welcome home Brother. Jess & Linda

~

Jess & Linda Rowland, Kingston, New York, 12401

He was a friend even to us with whom he had just reacquainted. Vicki and Family, we are truly sorry for your loss. We echo the sentiments of all the Green Hornets - mostly, that he will be missed.

~

Eric and Sue Roberts, Spring, TX. 77388

The "Green Hornet" family has lost a true patriot with the passing of Robert W. Hall. His contributions to the mission of the 20th Special Operations Squadron; both on and off the battlefield, were invaluable. He takes with him a host of knowledge of the history of the 20th SOS, which he was continually documenting and preserving, utilizing much of his time and resources. It is always sad when a "Green Hornet" departs our midst. My friend, Robert Hall was no exception! Sincere condolences to Robert's family and friends. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him. God Bless, Rest In Peace, Bob!

~

Bruce H. Maine, Swansea, Illinois, 62226

Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for you. The NARFE Service Center is located in the Civilian Personnel Office, building 50, 201 W Winter St, Scott AFB. You may visit the Service Center on Tuesdays, 10AM to 2PM or call 618-256-9350. You may leave a voice mail message at other times and we will return your call the following Tuesday. You may also call either of our Service Officers, Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980 or Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819, for immediate assistance if required.

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Gene Wiggins NARFE Chap 1019, Mascoutah, ILLINOIS, 62258

Dear Vicki, Jon, Katy & Robby, Our Deepest Sympathy in the loss of Bob Hall: your husband, father and "BEST Friend".... May Bob Rest in Eternal Peace in God's loving arms.... Your neighbors, Colleen & Jack Nold Family.

~

Jack & Colleen Nold Family, Belleville, Illinois, 62221

I'm at a total loss for words. I was exchanging emails with Bob just a few months ago. Bob, thank you for who you are, for the love you showed your Green Hornet brothers and for the memories you've left for us to ponder and enjoy. We pray for God to embrace you and bring comfort to your family. Welcome home Brother. Jess & Linda

~

Jess & Linda Rowland, Kingston, New York, 12401

My dear sister, Vicki and family, I will so miss "Bobarino" when I come to visit. I loved our Christmas Day conversation. I share your burden of sadness. Here is a quote that I think helps express my feelings from one of my favorite authors: Anne Lamott. "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace--- only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." May God's grace envelop you in this time of profound grief. Love and peace be with you.

~

Gail Worley Pernenter, Wauconda, IL, 60084

Thank you for all your help. RIP Bob.

~

Ronald Dorazio, Perry , Ga., 31069

Sweet Uncle Bob, our acorn-bearing Egor, I will miss you and your crazy fun sense of humor. Here's a quote I love and that rings true for me as I grieve; I hope it will help others who loved Bob too. "Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." -Eskimo Proverb

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Andrea Permenter, Los Angeles, California, 90026

As a fellow Rotor Head that served with the 20th as Bob did, but not as a Green Hornet. I pass to the family my deepest condolences. Bob, God bless you and may you rest in peace.

~

Jerold Clausius, O'Fallon, Illinois, 62269

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