Joseph "Bob" R. Hatfield

Joseph Robert "Bob" Hatfield, 86, unexpectedly crossed over on March 24, 2020 at Mercy Hospital. He was born January 10, 1934 in Fort Smith to James Monroe and Nora Belle (Riley) Hatfield. Bob graduated from Fort Smith High School (Northside) in 1952 and joined the Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, CA.

Bob and Helen Joyce Vincent were married on January 1, 1955 and were blessed with six children. He spent 10 years on the San Diego Fire Department before returning to Fort Smith where Bob joined the Fort Smith Police Department. He was a detective the last fourteen years before being medically retired in 1984. Then he and Helen moved to Arizona. After Helen’s death in 2003, Bob returned to Holiday Palms RV Park in Quartzsite, AZ.

Bob was an active member of American Legion Post 31, Crimestoppers, Q&A, and the retired policemen Thursday lunch bunch. On March 12, 2007 Bob and Marcie Ellis were united in marriage at Holiday Palms RV Park.

Marcie survives him as do his daughters, Linda Valenzuela, Valerie Sanford (Kevin), Sandy Spoon (Rob), Barbara Hatfield; and his older sister, Norean Hardin. He also leaves six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; as well as Marcie’s four sons and their families. His daughter Eleanor; son, Joe, Jr.; sister, Ora Lee Spencer; and brothers, Ancel and James preceded him in death.

Memorial Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the U.S, National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.