Brig. Gen. Hal F. Robertson

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Hal F. Robertson, 80, died Sept. 7, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Born Oct. 31, 1922, in Piggott, Ark., he was the son of the late John Augustus and Lillian Robertson.

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 140th Infantry in 1949 where he received a commission to second lieutenant in 1950. In 1965, he was transferred to Missouri National Guard headquarters at Jefferson City where he received promotions to major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. He commanded the 135th Combat Engineer Group in Cape Girardeau and later served as deputy commander of Missouri National Guard headquarters and as deputy adjutant general of the Missouri Army National Guard. In 1976, he was promoted to brigadier general.

A 1949 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, he also held diplomas from several military institutions including the Command and General Staff College and the Armed Forces Industrial College.

Robertson began his business career in 1949 with Production Credit Association where he served in Dexter until 1956 when he became president of the Federal Land Bank of Sikeston serving in that capacity until he retired in 1985. He also served as a director for Union Planters Bank.

A member of the Masons, SEMO Shrine Club and Moolah Shrine Temple, he was also a member of the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and the Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities.

He and Carmen Tallent were married in 1950 and she survives.

Other survivors include: his daughter, Tory Robertson Susac of Richmond, Va.; two brothers, John B. Robertson of Kennett and N. Logan Robertson of Dallas, Texas; and several nephews and nieces.

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

VFW Post 3838 of Cape Girardeau and a Marine Corps League Honor Guard will conduct a military funeral at 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Relatives 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 the Sikeston Country Club.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home of Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders 1301 N. Kingshighway Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

or

to a charity or scholarship fund of the donor's choice

Paid obituary