Bob slipped away to eternal rest on Tuesday October 6, 2026 in his home in Florissant, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann; son, Steven Alfred; parents, William Earl and Dora Marie; brothers William "Bill" and Aflred; and sisters, Dolores (Frank) Ortmann, Betty (George) Harper, and Viola (Jon, living) Buntz. Bob is survived by two of his children, Bob D. (Barb) Tarrant, Jr. and Karen M. (Daniel) Kolditz; six grandchildren including Derrick Tarrant, Evan (Madison) Tarrant, Michelle (Nick) Stelmat, Dylan (Courtney Miller) Tarrant, Jessica (Jack Krisanic) Kolditz, Daniel P. (Bella Kolf) Kolditz, Jr.; four great grandchildren including Emma Harris, Skylar Woodman, Nash Tarrant, and Noah Tarrant; as well as his beloved sister, Hester Krause.

Bob was born in Webb City, Missouri as a twin to Betty on December 20, 1937. At age 7, he was baptized and went on to live as a faithful servant to Christ.

In his youth, he worked selling newspapers with his sister, Hester, setting pins at a local bowling alley, and also for Tasty Freeze ice cream shop with his twin sister Betty. In 1956, Bob graduated from Hadley Tech where he studied woodworking. Eventually, Bob worked as a tool designer with McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing for over 44 years. During this time, he also took night classes at Washington University. His work ethic and attitude was unparalleled. Even while working multiple jobs to provide for his family, Bob prioritized his family. He coached soccer and baseball, and even managed to make it home for family dinner most nights.

Throughout his life he was athletic and immensely involved in activities like track and field and cross country running. Bob broke records, and often won ribbons and trophies. At the Junior Olympics and Senior Olympics, he even won gold medals. Bob especially loved the St. Louis Track Club which he participated in for a significant portion of his life.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who truly believed in the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” He was unconditionally kind and always willing to help those in need. Through runs and other fundraisers and volunteering opportunities, Bob was devoted to many institutions such as Forest Park Forever, St. Judes, Habitat for Humanity, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the St. Louis Zoo, the Food Bank, and the NPR/PBS Network.

Bob will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, Bob and his family would request that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation at https://www.michaeljfox.org/ or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Visitation will be held at the Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home (12444 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur Missouri, 63141) on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 8:30-9:30 am. A memorial service will begin at 9:30 am. Immediately following, burial service will be held at Lakewood Park Cemetery.

Beginning at 11:30 am, a Celebration of Life luncheon will be held honoring the life of Bob and his wife, Judy who passed in 2020. The Celebration will be held at Tapawingo National Golf Club Banquet Center (13001 Gary Player Dr, St. Louis, MO 63127).