Robert 'Bob' Hente Sr.

Robert L. "Bob" Hente Sr., 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, April 21, 2017, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Dec. 9, 1932, in Cape Girardeau to the late Walter F. and Veneda Fitzgerald Hente.

Bob was a graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School. He began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Oct. 18, 1954, and retired as a driver examiner supervisor on Jan. 1, 1993. Bob also served in the Missouri National Guard and retired as a sergeant first class after 43 years. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 63.

He and Martha Madline Bess were married May 24, 1953, in Chaffee, Missouri.

Bob was a faithful member of Cape First Church. He was secretary/treasurer for 31 years; prior to that, he taught the young married couples class and also was a deacon in the church. He volunteered at Southeast Hospital for over 30 years, and was head usher and worked security at the Show Me Center for 10 years in the early '90s.

Loving survivors include his wife of 64 years, Martha Madline Hente; son, Robert L. (Patty) Jr. of Cape Girardeau; brothers, Scott and Steve Hente, both of St. Louis; sisters, Betty Shaw of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Mary Ann Rose of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barb Zickler of St. Louis, Judy Seiler of St. Louis and Brenda Hente of St. Louis; grandchildren, Brooks L. (Katie) Hente, Dustin (Brandy) Hente, Amanda Hente, Mark Berry and Amy Daniels; and great-grandchildren, Avia, Aria, Isiah, Elijah and Zoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with Pastor Gary Brothers officiating. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. Monday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military rites.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mid America Teen Challenge.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.