Ira Roberts, Jr.

Ira Roberts, Jr. took our Lord’s hand in the early hours of September 19, 2012.  He fought a courageous battle against COPD for many years.  Now he and the Lord have won the victory.  He passed peacefully to join family and friends in eternity.   He was a Resident of Ashland Villa Assisted  Living Care.

Ira was known as “Bill”, Honey, Daddy, Pop, Papa and Grandpa.  No matter which hat he was wearing, he wore it well.  Ira was born on May 22, 1922 to Ira Roberts, Sr. and Mary Catherine (Tribb)le Roberts in rural Boone County.  He was one of eleven children and was raised in the Sturgeon area.   Bill was at home in the out of doors.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and loved being in the woods,  On January 10, 1947 he married Darline Mize and she preceded  him in death September 29, 1991.  Together they raised two children, Sandra and Stephen.

At age 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy, during WWII on the Battleship USS Mississippi as a Gunner’s Mate and Helmsman serving in eight Asiatic Pacific Campaigns.

Bill was a truck mechanic for most of his working career, primarily for Oliver Concrete Co. in Mexico, Mo.  He retired from there due to health problems and moved to New Mexico to the drier climate.  He and his wife managed an apartment complex, transforming it from an average complex to a beautiful place to live. He returned to Missouri 19 years later after the death of his wife.  His children and grandchildren welcomed him home with open arms.  He enjoyed his retirement years helping his son Steve on his farm.  He produced a huge garden and canned countless veggies for his family.  He liked to refinish furniture and explore all Flea Markets, especially Itchy’s.  Bill’s greatest passion was reading.  He enjoyed all types of literature and loved to share his collection with family and friends.  He was a kind, caring man that everyone loved.

He is survived by a daughter, Sandra Roberts Griffin and her husband Tom, Jr., of Ashland, MO an d a son, Stephen Roberts and his wife Lisa of Macon, MO.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Tamara Kanatzar, Trisha Kanatzar, Travis Roberts, Trenton Hancock, Nicholas Roberts and wife Liz, and Elizabeth Roberts.  He has four great grandchildren, Ella and Derek Roberts, Sara Kanatzar and Charis Roberts. Also surviving is one sister, Bertha Lee Barnes; one brother, Marion (Rick) Roberts and wife Barbara, brother-in-law, Jim Mize; sisters-in-law, Ruth Eisele, Sharon Delong, and Debby Shirley.  Bill has many, many nieces and nephews who love him dearly and many friends.   We will all miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Martha Helen and Leona; 6 brothers, Earl, Tom, Ed, Howard McGee, baby Jack and Baby Boy Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Horeb Maintenance Fund in care of City of Sturgeon.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 10:00 am at Mt Horeb Cemetery, with the Rev. Jay Self officiating.

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