Robert Hanlon
Robert Earl Hanlon, age 83, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by his children, following complications from a cardiopulmonary event after a fall.
Known as “Bob” to friends and “Bobby Earl” to family, he was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on August 9, 1942. Bob graduated from C.E. Byrd High School in 1960 and attended Louisiana Polytechnic University (now Louisiana Tech University). In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as an aircraft mechanic in Germany, Suriname, Vietnam, and primarily at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.
Following his honorable discharge in 1968, Bob worked briefly for Braniff Airways before joining Coulter Electronics in Dallas, Texas. Starting in equipment repair, he eventually worked his way into management. In 1969, Bob married Edna Lucille Prudhomme and welcomed two children: Robert Jr. in 1970 and Susan in 1973. His career took the family to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1973, and later to Chesterfield, Missouri, in 1978, where he opened a new branch office in Maryland Heights. Many of the colleagues he hired over the years became lifelong friends. Bob retired from Coulter (Beckman Coulter) in 2011 after a dedicated career.
Outside of work, Bob enjoyed attending Jeep jamborees—especially in the scenic landscapes of Utah—listening to country music, and watching Fox News. He was a devoted cat lover and a familiar face at Stovall’s, his favorite local honky-tonk, where he could often be found enjoying good company a couple of times a week.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna Lucille Prudhomme Hanlon; his father, Thomas Lester Hanlon; his mother, Audrey Althea (Beckcom) Alexander; his stepfather, John D. Alexander; and his sister, Tommie Jean (Delton) Credeur.
Bob is survived by his son, Robert Hanlon, Jr. of St. Louis, MO; his daughter, Susan Hanlon of St. Charles, MO; and his cherished grandchildren, Bode and Mena Hemminghaus.
Services & Memorials
Interment: Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.(opens in new tab)
Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Bishop’s Post in Chesterfield, MO.(opens in new tab)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tenth Life Cat Rescue(opens in new tab) or Five Acres Animal Shelter(opens in new tab).
Bob hired me in 1979 in Columbia, MO for position in Kansas City. He was my boss for several years and transferred me to Des Moines in 1982, and continued to supervise me until the closed the St. Louis office closed. After Bob went back to the field we wound up in training together in Miami a couple of times. I remember fondly fishing on the weekends and sharing meals in the evenings.
I am saddened Bobby is gone and wish condolences to his family.
Bob sat at practically the same spot at the bar at Stovall’s. He always gave good hugs and sweet compliments to us girls. We are really gonna miss him!
Rest in peace Bob.
CHEERS!