Robert Buford "Bob" Hargrove

Robert Buford Hargrove (Bob), was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, March 2, 1933, and died while under the loving, peaceful care of the hospice staff at St. Joseph's Carpenter House in Lafayette, Louisiana, March 21, 2023. He lived his early years in Shreveport but settled and lived the majority of his life in Lafayette, a place he dearly loved and called home. Bob attended Byrd High School, Tulane University, and Tulane Law School where he received his J.D. in 1957. He was a member and President of Tulane's Beta Theta Pi Fraternity where he made lifelong friends who shared his love and continued support for all things Tulane, including Tulane's numerous charitable organizations and, especially, its football and other sports programs. Following his graduation from Tulane Law School, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the U.S. Army Reserves during the very tumultuous Cuban Missile Crisis. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, Bob returned to Lafayette and settled into the petroleum industry, utilizing his legal skills and mastery to achieve a long, successful career as an independent landman. Bob was always first to arrive and last to depart when he discerned that friends, family, and often strangers were in crisis or need. He adored his nephew, Little Dougie, whose special needs were the inspiration for his service at Asbury Methodist Church where he and Brenda established and lovingly taught a Sunday school class for adults with special needs for several years. He was an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction with a deep affinity for the country of Mexico which he studied and traveled extensively with his wife and children. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved father, Dr. Marion Hargrove, Sr., mother, Deryl Hargrove, nephew, Marion Hargrove, III (Little Dougie), father- and mother-in-law, William (Dutch) and Mamie Burgin, and brother-in-law, Tommy Guercio, Jr. He is survived by his beloved brother, Dr. Marion Hargrove, Jr., and spouse, Sara, their daughters, Lila Dickinson and Eleanor Williamson, and his immediate and extended family, including his beloved wife, Brenda, children, Lisa Thomas and loving son-in-law, Alfred Thomas, III, Bethlyn Mayers, and Phil Mayers, Jr., grandchildren, Alfred (AJ), Cameron, Blair, Grant, Taylor, and Caroline, to whom he was a wonderful and adoring grandfather, and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Marylib Guercio (widow of Tommy Guercio, Jr.), Doug Burgin, and spouse, Ann, Dr. John Burgin, and spouse, Susan, Dr. David Burgin, and spouse, Dr. Helene Augustin, and Betty Burgin. Bob was a dream son-in-law times infinity to Mamie and Dutch and often remarked that marrying Brenda was the best thing that ever happened to him. He was a constant and steady source of love and security to Brenda, Beth, Lisa, and Phil, whom he provided with all of the best that life has to offer. During the end stages of his life, Bob was fortunate to enjoy the enduring aid and attention of the home health staff at Nursing Specialties (NSI), especially Tina Sinegal who was one of the last persons to share the most sincere farewells of "I love you" and "I love you, too" with him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Bob and his nephew, Little Dougie, to Holy Angels in Shreveport, where Dougie was a resident for much of his life. Per Bob's wishes, his family and their close friends will celebrate his life at a yet-to-be-determined time and place. Portrait by Bobbie Houston.