Robert Alan “Bob” Estes Sr., 73, of Hillsboro died Aug. 21, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Mr. Estes retired from the U.S. Army after a distinguished career as a Cobra pilot. He earned the rank of CW4 (Chief Warrant Officer 4) and served as a maintenance test pilot. Outside of his military career, he enjoyed riding his Harley, camping, playing poker and restoring old cars. He had a love for life and enjoyed spending time and making memories with family and friends. Born March 27, 1953, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Anne Belton and Harvey Estes.
He is survived by five children: Amy (Richard) Perkins, Wendy Niimi, Robert (Cortney) Estes Jr., Nathan (Destiny) Estes and Ryan (Laura) Moran; 13 grandchildren: Autumn Vogel, Dallis, Mason and Prestyn Perkins, Evan and Mika Niimi, Braydin Sheerin, Brody and Brinley Estes, Gaby and Ember Estes, Aurora Williams and Alexia Moran; two great-grandchildren: Oakley and Carver Vogel; two sisters: Debbie (Jim) Swan and Vicky (Vic) Sullivan; his companion: Debbie Craig; and extended family members: Dawn Brown, Ken, Brayden and Lexi, Angie Martin, Tom, T.J. and Jackson, Shana Ross, James, Trenton, Dalton, Auston and Preston.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Cheryl.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Chapel Hill Mortuary, Robert Brown Chapel, 103 Fourth St., in Hillsboro. A funeral service is scheduled from 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the funeral home. A graveside service with full military honors will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary, Robert Brown Chapel, in Hillsboro.