Robert E. Hardt Sr.

January 6, 1947 - January 21, 2021

Robert E. Hardt Sr. Jan 6, 1947 - Jan. 21, 2021 Beloved husband of Cheryl Hardt (nee Borgfield); Cherished father of the late Robert E. Hardt Jr. and step-father of 7; Devoted grandfather of Marissa (Chris) Hardt and step-grandfather of 10+; Loving brother of Lynda (the late Gary) Kamp; Cherished uncle, great uncle and friend to many; Services: Visitation Sunday, January 24, from 2 until 6:00pm with a Funeral Service at 6:00pm at the JAY B. SMITH FENTON CHAPEL 777 Oakwood Dr. 63026. Memorials can be made to: Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Association 17238 Hilltop Ridge Drive Eureka, MO 63025 OR the charity of your choice. Bob was born in Richmond Heights, MO to Edwin “Bud” and Loraine Hardt. He was later given a little sister, Lynda, who he enjoyed teasing endlessly. Despite his ability to pick on her, they were thick as thieves and were the best of friends until he took his last breath. Without many neighbors, and a small family, they spent much of their time entertaining one another. Bob was always building something, whether it was playing with Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys or his Erector set. He was born to create, and even into adulthood he could fix anything. If you couldn’t buy the part, he’d make it. He also loved music, playing trumpet in the band and marching band, and listening to the 50’s and 60’s hits and classic country. He graduated from Maplewood Richmond Heights in 1965. He later became active in their class reunions and enjoyed the luncheons and visiting with former MRH graduates. After graduation, he joined the Army National Reserves and became a helicopter mechanic. Bob followed in his father’s footsteps when he became a sheet metal worker. He worked for several companies, but was with Western Blowpipe when he retired in 2010, which happened to be the same company his dad had once worked for. He was 50 plus year member of the Sheet Metal Workers, Local 36. He was also a member of the Masons. On June 26, 1969 Bob welcomed his greatest blessing, his son, Robert E Hardt Jr. He was elated to be a dad. He loved children and doted on his son. He passed on his love of automobiles and trains to Rob, and they would often tinker on them together. Later on he was lucky enough to be blessed with several more step-children, whom he always loved as his own. Bob was grief-stricken when he tragically lost Rob in an automobile accident on June 10, 2000. But true to Bob’s character, without a second thought, he became like a father figure to his granddaughter, Marissa. He learned how to braid hair and play dolls. It was his joy to be able to provide for her. Family was everything to Bob. Never did a family member question his love or care for them. He adored being a dad, stepdad, grandfather, stepgrandfather and uncle. On Dec 13, 2008, he married the love of his life, Cheryl. It was truly the happiest and golden days of his life. It was rare to see one without the other. Bob smiled, like he never had before. Cheryl brought kids and grandkids into the family and he loved them like his own. He was an excellent cook, and enjoyed treating Cheryl to something special he made. They loved traveling, whether it was going to Branson, cruising in their 51 for a car club trip, spur of the moment trips with friends, or just a quiet drive. They enjoyed puzzles together and you could often find one covering the dining room table. He loved it when she joined him in the machine shop, even if it was just to be his assistant and listen to his ideas. They loved spending time with family and doting on grandkids. They packed a lifetime of love into their 12 years of marriage. Bob had a love of antique cars and trains. He bought his first car, a 1928 Model A, when he was 15 years old. He and Bud spent many hours working on that car, creating wonderful memories along the way. Bob was proud to show off his Model A and cherished it the rest of his life, keeping it up until 2019. He also bought a classic 1951 Chevy, which helped keep him busy as he was a member of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. The family tradition of receiving a train for your 5th birthday started his love of trains. The entire family loved playing with the model train at Christmas. Rather than packing it up, they decided to expand, and built an elaborate train layout in the basement with his dad. It was a hit with every kid and grown man that came over. The collection grew throughout the years, and it was a labor of love he was able to continue with his own son, Rob. As an adult, Bob was a frequent volunteer at the Wabash, Frisco and Pacific Railroad. You would find him in his happy spot with his overalls and a conductor hat on working on a steam engine, or taking kids on train rides. Bob was an amazing mentor and teacher to countless individuals. He could always find time to meet and eat with so many different people, catching up and trading stories. He was a father to so many who were not his own. He loved helping others. Bob knew no strangers, only friends he had yet to make. He could talk about anything and everything and made everyone feel welcome. Despite his tall frame, he really was a gentle giant his entire life. He had a gentle spirit, shown by how he recently cared for his ailing mother, and how he treated others caring for him at the end. Bob’s larger than life stature was nothing compared to his love for his family and friends. He will be missed greatly by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He lived life to the fullest in his 74 years here on Earth. We’re thankful that he’s at peace now. Covid-19 restrictions will be followed; face coverings required, social distancing, and a limited number of visitors at any time. Please be respectful of time so other visitors may pay their respects to the family.