Robert “Bob” Hughart - 505-PIR - F Company - PH
Robert “Bob” Hughart, 95, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas passed away peacefully on March 17, 2017 at Eaglecrest Nursing & Rehab Center in Ash Flat, Arkansas. Bob was born on March 24, 1921 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Parents were Troop Reynolds and Irene Sundeen Reynolds. He later acquired his step father’s last name, Cleo Hughart.
In May of 1942, at age 21, he willingly enlisted in the US Army and volunteered for paratrooper training. Bob was a member of the 2nd Battalion, Co. F, 505th Parachute Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. In total, he successfully made four combat jumps (Sicily, Normandy, Italy, and Holland) and also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received several decorations & citations during his military career including the Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct medal, Belgium Fourragere, the WWII Victory Medal, European-African-middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 silver star and 2 bronze stars. Due to near fatal injuries suffered in combat, he was honorably medically discharged on May 14, 1947 earning the Purple Heart medal.
He returned to the United States and had 2 marriages over the years. His first was with Barbara Somers in 1947. They had four children, Helen Jordan, Indiana, Thomas Reynolds, CA, Jack Hughart, MD and George Hughart (deceased). His second marriage was with Joan Somers (deceased) in 1978. His step children are Mike Somers, FL, Jim Somers, AZ, Lynn Somers, CA, and Matt Somers, CA. Bob has 14 grandchildren and numerous great and great great grandchildren. Bob and late wife, Joan, proudly resided in Cherokee Village, AR from 1979 until both their deaths.
Services are pending at this time. Bob graciously donated his body to science and medical research through Genesis. The Genesis program in Memphis, Tennessee supports MERI (Medical Education & Research Institute). Upon completion of the program in several months, a celebration of life service will be held at St Michael’s Catholic Church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas.
Bob's photo taken during WW-II.