Roy Halbert, 86, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Feb 6, 2020, at Chateau Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 8, 1934, in Cherryville, Missouri, son of the late William Everett and Cora Lee Britton Halbert. He and Gail Hahn of Lutesville, Missouri, were married July 15, 1961, in Eureka, Missouri. They raised two children, Terri Cagle of Cape Girardeau and Gregory Halbert of St. Louis.

Roy entered the U.S. Army on Nov. 8, 1956, and served in Korea before being honorably discharged Nov. 7, 1958.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 59.9 years, Elks Lodge and Veterans of Foreign Wars, both in Cape Girardeau. Roy served on the City Inspection Board and was vice president of the Home Builders Association.

Roy attended Molar Barber College and owned Kingsway Barber Shop before deciding to go into the HVAC/plumbing business. He and Gail owned and operated Halbert Inc., working side by side until retirement at age 80. He took great pride in satisfying his customers and teaching employees about their trade.

Roy's passion for fishing and being outdoors took him north into Canada and south into Mexico. It was not uncommon for him to disappear from work, if he got wind of some good fishing. Work was sometimes better accomplished from his bass boat than his work truck.

Roy was an aviation enthusiast, who studied, trained and obtained his pilot license. Upon obtaining his license, he owned a Cessna 172 and enjoyed taking family and friends flying in the clouds with a bird's-eye view of what lay below.

Roy met many people during his endeavors, most of whom became lifelong friends. He had a friendly heart and a kind soul that will never be forgotten.

Loving survivors include his wife of almost 58 years, Gail Halbert; daughter, Terri Cagle of Cape Girardeau; son, Gregory Halbert of St. Louis; grandchildren, Andrew Cagle of St. Louis and Brianne Cagle of Kennett, Missouri; and great-grandchildren, Asiah, David and Emelia Cagle-Davis.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Raymond, Glen and Welbon Halbert.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating. Interment, with full graveside military honors, will follow at 1 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St Louis, MO 63110.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.