Bobby Dee Hazen, 69, passed away on March 1, 2025 in St. Joseph, Mo.

Bobby was born April 22, 1955 in Austin, TX to Bobby "Red" and E. Frances (McDowell) Hazen. He attended many schools as a military dependent child and graduated from Jeffersontown High School near Louisville, Ky. Following graduation in 1974, Bobby enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He had various overseas assignments including Okinawa, England, Pohnpei, Germany, and also served in the Persian Gulf War. He retired as a Senior Master Sargant after 23 years of dedicated service.

After separation from the Air Force, Bobby completed his education at Central Missouri State University earning a degree in Safety Management. He went on to work for various construction projects around the country including the Olmstead Dam, the Carl Darnall Army Medical Center, the Texas Headquarters for Liberty Mutual and finally the Kansas City Airport project. Bobby retired from his safety career after 20+ years due to health reasons but left his mark in the field with the numerous professionals he taught and mentored over the years.

Bobby's other great passions outside of work were hunting, fishing, and generally anything outdoors. He was a member of the local rod and gun club wherever he lived and made many friends over the years who shared this passion. He was always happiest out in the woods, and he passed his vast knowledge of animals, tracking, fishing, and firearms onto his grandsons.

Bobby is preceeded in death by both his parents and his oldest daughter, Natasha (Jack) Hazen Valvo, of West Palm Beach, Fl.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Terry, daughters Deanna (Mark) Bumgarner, of Warrensburg, MO, Crystal Carver, of Herrin, IL, Jennifer (Christopher) Smith, of Wichita, KS and 5 grandchildren, Bianca (Greg) Cashman, Noah Hazen, Joshua Smith, Annika Allison, and Eli Smith. Also survived by siblings H. Ray (Susan) Hazen, Anita (Jim) LeVan, and Gloria (Rob) Gill.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.