Robert Alvin Held, 90, of Festus, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson.

He was born on September 26, 1935, in Illmo, Missouri, the son of the late Alvin Held and Vera (McGhee) Held.

Robert devoted 35 years of service as a bonder with McDonald Douglas before retiring. Outside of work, he found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—hunting and fishing, tending his garden, playing horseshoes and washers, and gathering with family and friends for card games. His warmth, kindness, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was a faithful member of Radiant Life Church in Festus, Missouri.

Survivors include his beloved wife of more than 69 years, Frances “Arlene” (Roberts) Held of Festus, Missouri; his brother, Fred (Tracy) Held; sisters, Sharon (Mark) Hilleman of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Donna (Ronnie) Carr of Oran, Missouri; along with many nieces and nephews spanning four generations, whom he cherished as his own children, and numerous dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas (Bernice) Held; and sisters, Betty (Raymond) Miller, Virginia (Ed) Schivitz, Delores (Norman) Morrill, Dorothy (Kenny) Inglvason, and Debbie (Brian) Gill.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Mahn Funeral Home Twin City Chapel in Festus, Missouri, with Dr. Randy Gray officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto, Missouri.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at Mahn Funeral Home Twin City Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601, or online at act.alz.org. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.mahnfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home Twin City Chapel, Festus, Missouri.