Hal Robertson

Hal F. Robertson, 80, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2003, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Oct. 31, 1922, in Piggott, Ark., son of John Augustus and Lillian Robertson. He and Carmen Tallent were married in 1950.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen; a daughter, Tory Robertson Susac of Richmond, Va.; two brothers, John B. Robertson of Kennett, Mo., N. Logan Robertson of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Loyd Robertson, John Jr.; and a sister, Gussie Cox.

Robertson began his military career in the U. S. Marine Corps, where he served on active duty from June 1941 to November 1945, attaining the rank of corporal. He joined the Missouri National Guard's 140th Infantry in 1949 and received a commission to second lieutenant in 1950.

He was transferred to Missouri National Guard Headquarters in Jefferson City in 1965, and received promotions to major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. He commanded the 135th Combat Engineer Group in Cape Girardeau, later served as deputy commander of Missouri National Guard Headquarters, and as deputy adjutant general of Missouri Army National Guard. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1976.

Robertson was a 1949 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. In addition, he held diplomas from several military institutions including the Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Industrial College.

Robertson began his business career with Production Credit Association in 1949, serving at Dexter, Mo., until 1956, when he became president of Federal Land Bank of Sikeston, Mo., serving in that capacity until he retired in 1985.

He was a member of the Masons, SEMO Shrine Club, Moolah Shrine Temple, Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, and Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities. He served as a director at Union Planters Bank.

Burial will be Friday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Highway 25 south of Bloomfield. VFW Post 3838 and a Marine Corps League Honor Guard will conduct a military funeral.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of the Life and Times of Hal Robertson from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Sikeston Country Club, Highway 60 East in Sikeston.

The Robertson family suggests that instead of flowers, memorials be sent to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, 1301 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701, or the charity or scholarship fund of your choice.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.