Robert Wayne “Bob” Hazel

Robert Wayne “Bob” Hazel was born January 2, 1951 in Thomas, Oklahoma to Glen Dale and Myrtle Spangler Hazel. He passed away at his home on July 9, 2026, at the age of 75. 

Bob spent his childhood in California until the death of his father whereafter the family returned to Oklahoma. Bob attended school in Fay, Oklahoma where he met Judy Clark. Judy was in 7th grade and Bob was in 8th grade where they were in the same classroom. Bob said the first time he saw Judy in the front row, he knew she was the one! He was part of the class of 1969. 

In February of 1969 Bob went to Oklahoma City to see about enlisting in the military where he chose to join the Navy. The recruiting officer asked if anyone was ready to join that day; “I raised my hand and never went home.” Bob said. He flew from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles, CA and then on to Camp Pendleton in San Diego where he completed 9 weeks of basic training. He was supposed to be on leave for 14 days when he was called by the Navy to report for duty. He was flown to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where he then took a bus to Subic Bay. From there, he boarded an oiler-fuel ship to Vietnam and transferred to the USS Conflict. Boarding is an interesting way to put it. “I was let down by a rope off the oiler onto the USS Conflict while the ship was floating out in the middle of the ocean.” Bob stated. 

He had many duties on the ship including store keeper where he was in charge of food supply, Helmsman where he and four other crewmates drove the minesweeper boat, and Fireman Engineer where he kept the ship running. When the ship went into the war zone, his duties included manning a 55 caliber machine gun with Smitty Smith on the starboard side of the ship. When sweeping mines he and Smitty were responsible for loading the “knives” with bullets. These “knives” were part of a system of cables that cut cables to disable the mines set in the water. He spent his naval career on the USS Conflict as a mine sweeper. In February 1971 Bob was honorably discharged. 

In 1970, Bob married Judy Marilyn Clark, and lived in Fay. To this union were born three children: Ginger Ann, Brandon Clark and Bradley Saige Hazel. When Ginger was 2 or 3, the family moved to Anthony, Kansas looking for a job. Bob began work with Gene Smith, for Gene Smith Plumbing. Then in 1975 the couple started their own business Hazel’s Sheet Metal in a garage! The business expanded and moved to many locations over the years along Main Street Anthony. Bob was very proud of his work, family and community. He used his company as his platform to minister in his own way. With a humble servant's heart he did the little things that not everyone would see. Bob was also a volunteer fireman for a time. He never sought recognition; he wanted the job done right and people taken care of. His precision and craftsmanship is unmatched in everything he laid his hands on.

Bob had many hobbies including woodworking and crafts, gambling, bowling, card games, bird hunting, gardening, yardwork and sports. He enjoyed watching all sorts of sports and was willing to try just about anything. He was genuinely interested in everything his family was involved in. His special knack for being present created a strong relationship with each family member. His quiet wisdom shared at just the right moment was always just what you needed. He always made a point to be at events, games or participate in activities with family members to show his love and encouragement. 

Bob is survived by his wife Judy, of the home; his children Ginger Osborne and Troy of Kechi, Brandon Hazel and Misty of Anthony, Saige Hazel and Kelsey of Anthony; 9 grandchildren: Joshua Osborne and Sierra, Isaac Osborne and Julie, Haley (Osborne) Cannizzo and Topher, Joscelyn, Brianna, Ashton and Gracie Hazel, Austin and Kaiden Hazel; 3 great-grandchildren, Jackson Wayne Osborne and 2 great grandsons on the way. He is also survived by one brother: Murral and Loreta Hazel Skiatook, OK; his brother-in-law, Tommy Foust of Thomas, OK; sister-in-laws: Linda Hazel of Hennesey and Phyllis Hinkley of Edmond, OK. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Myrtle Hazel; his sister Mae Foust; his brother Earl Hazel.

Military graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Spring Grove Cemetery west of Anthony.  A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Revolution Fellowship Church in Anthony, both with Pastor Kent Olds officiating.  

Friends may view and sign the register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Bob may be made directly payable to the Harper VFW and may be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.