Brigadier General F.E. "Rick" Hargrove U.S.A.F. (Ret.)

A singular life of distinction and service ended peacefully as Rick Hargrove passed on September 11, 2025, in Belleville, Illinois at the age of 88.

He was born in La Feria, Texas to Leon and Marie Hargrove. He attended college at Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, Texas and graduated from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon and received his MBA from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. It was while attending the University of Oregon that he met the great love of his life, Patty. They were married in September of 1958 and celebrated 67 years together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a beloved daughter, Elizabeth Grubb, his brother, Ray, and his sister, Arlene Teater.

He is survived by his loving wife, his son Joe, his daughter Linda (Michael), his son James (Amie), ten wonderful grandchildren, four precious great grandchildren, his sister Evelyn Falk, his brother-in-law, Chuck (Marie) Smith and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was a patriot with a great love for his country and served proudly in the United States Air Force for thirty years as a pilot and in many positions of leadership moving twenty times across the world. He is a Vietnam veteran.
After his decades of service to our nation's military, Rick continued his passion for airplanes serving as Deputy Director at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and as First Director of Mid America Airport. He also served on the committee to save Scott Air Force Base.

He was a long-time member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville where he served as an elder, on two pastor nominating committees and many other behind the scenes activities. He had a great love for the Old Testament and taught adult Sunday School for many years. He was instrumental in helping in the creation of Children's Chapel, a program for young children in the church. In recognition of his service to the church family, Rick was named Church Man of the Year in 2013.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at First United Presbyterian Church with Reverend Rob Dyer officiating. Burial will be private at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

If you would like to remember Rick, donations to First United Presbyterian Church, 1303 Royal Heights, Rd, Belleville, IL 62223 will be appreciated.