Robert "Bob” Standiford
Robert "Bob" Standiford, age 82, of Pierre, South Dakota, died on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at his home in Pierre
Robert (Bob) J. Standiford was born on October 17, 1943, in Pierre, SD to Chester (Chet) and Carrie (Hand) Standiford. He joined siblings: Marjorie, Frances, William (Bill), Beverly, and was later joined by Betty, James (Jim), Jean, Don, Ken and Alice.
Bob passed away peacefully in his own home on Thursday, September 17, 2026. His cat, Oreo, was on his lap, Gunsmoke was on the TV and his caregiver was holding his hand.
Bob grew up in the Hayes area. He attended elementary school at Hayes, SD. He went to Fort Pierre School and then graduated from Philip High School. Growing up Bob enjoyed playing baseball. He worked at a local filling station. Where he learned a lot about fixing and caring for vehicles. He was a lifetime dedicated Ford man. Whether the vehicles that he drove or the vehicles that he cheered for in the NASCAR races. It was ALWAYS Ford!
He married Myrlena Murdock on June 15, 1963. To this union they welcomed two daughters: Teresa and Brenda. Bob and Myrlena raised their girls in the Hayes/Midland/Philip areas.
He went to work for the South Dakota Department of Transportation in the maintenance department in April 1967. He started out in Philip and retired in 2006 as Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Hayes. When Bob started for the SD DOT there was no Interstate 90 in South Dakota. Bob was part of that crew who built the I-90. When asked which season he loved or hated, he said: “I enjoyed them all, there was always something to do.” He took great pride in his work, always making sure that the equipment was running properly and that his area was well maintained. Bob received many awards for his professional expertise, commitment to safety and teamwork.
Bob started farming for Bonnie Sivage in 1973. Bob LOVED farming. He enjoyed every aspect of farming; whether it was plowing to prepare for the crops, planting, crop management, or harvest. He enjoyed them all. His favorite crop was winter wheat. His favorite tractor: The Challenger. He retired from farming in 2009 due to failing health.
Bob enjoyed the 4 seasons of living in South Dakota. Whether it was mowing yards, planting and caring for trees, or snow blowing sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. He always found a way to make the best out of each season.
Bob could fix anything!! Whether it was a vehicle, tractor, lawn mower, snow blower, farm machinery, road maintenance, household appliances, radio’s, or scanners. Bob could fix it….in his own time and in his own way! He chose to keep many parts….just in case.
Bob loved to watch Gunsmoke, NASCAR, westerns and Fox News. He enjoyed listening to the scanner to find out what was going on in the community. He found great pleasure in watching the birds and the bunnies from his chairs. Bob knew how to find joy in the timeless treasures of AM radio and newspapers. He loved animals. Throughout the years he had several cats and dogs. For the past 12 years he had his faithful, Oreo, cat by his side. Oreo brought Bob so much joy.
Bob had a great sense of humor. He loved sharing jokes with his co-workers, friends and family.
He is survived by his daughters: Brenda Standiford, Sioux Falls, and Teresa Miller, Gillette WY; grandson: Devin Hemmelman, Brookings, SD; brothers: William (Bill) Standiford of Loveland, CO, Don (Daphne) Standiford of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ken (Barb) Standiford of Midland, SD; sisters: Jean (John) Sharp of Maine and Betty (Leo) Nemec of International Falls, MN: his caregiver: Lana Martin; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends: Dale and the late Barb Vermundson, Gordon and Becky Dovre, Theresa Gabriel, Dave Schatz, and Veona Prince.
He was preceded in death by his parents Chet and Carrie; wife: Myrlena; sisters: Marjorie Wambolt, Frances Eggers, Beverly Standiford, and Alice Patton; brother: James (Jim) Standiford; his brothers-in-law: Ed Wambolt and Bob Eggers; sister-in-law: Margaret Standiford; and granddaughter: Crystal Kelso.
A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. CDT Friday, October 2, at the Hall in Hayes, South Dakota.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to 4 Corners Baseball or Deep Creek Lutheran Church in Bob’s memory.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
