Robert Ross Hackman

Robert “Bob” Hackman, 83, of Belleville, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Valarian Hackman and a brother, John Hackman (survived by Jan Hackman).

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Flo Hackman (nee Brant); daughters, Dawn Hackman (Christopher) and Rebecca Graf (the late Bill Graf); grandchildren, Jim Callahan (Jennifer) and Mariah Wrester (Daniel); great grandchildren, Sapphire Callahan, Sparrow Callahan, Floyd Harris, Koda Callahan and River and Jasper Wrestler.

Bob retired after serving 20 years in the United States Air Force where he earned a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He served two tours in Vietnam and was stationed in California, Kansas City, and the Scott Air Force Base area. His career in the Air Force offered travel experiences and the ability to provide for his family. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob continued working civil service as military police and defense mapping.

Bob wasn’t much of a conversationalist, but he was never shy about expressing his feelings! He was full of sarcastic wit and could make everyone laugh. He was an avid reader and a collector of many things. His collections included stamps, coins, military transportation models and military patches, and even Star Wars signed photos. Bob enjoyed finding them, building his collection, and then selling them before moving onto the next collectable! Bob always liked to keep busy and will be missed by everyone who loved him.

Friends may visit on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 10 am until noon at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223. A eulogy and memories will be shared at noon. Interment will then follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Memorials are appreciated to the Wounded Warriors Project and condolences offered at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com.