Donald Roberts (Hartville)'s Obituary
Donald Eugene Roberts, son of Ramon and Tressie Abbott Roberts, was born April 6, 1929 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, August 22, 2013 in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-four years, four months, and sixteen days.
On April 7, 1984, Donald was united in marriage to Gale Elisabeth Asher and together they have shared the past twenty-nine years.
His parents, and a son, Richard Roberts, preceded Donald in death.
He is survived by his wife, Gale Roberts of the home; daughter Briget Barnes and husband Duane of Fairborn, Ohio; son Robert J. Roberts of Springfield, Missouri; brothers Norman Roberts and wife Regina of Fort Collins, Colorado, Harold Roberts and wife Lois of LaGrange, Kentucky; sister, Dorothy Getz and husband Robert of Appleton City, Missouri; mother-in-law Gaye Wheeler of Springfield, Missouri; a number of nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and many friends.
Donald was born in St. Joseph and was a graduate of Savannah High School in the Class of 1947. He excelled in sports while in High School, especially basketball and football. He entered into the United States Navy in 1947 and proudly served his country for twenty-one years, retiring in 1968. While in the Navy, he served as a torpedoman aboard both diesel and nuclear powered submarines. Donald was Chief of the Boat on the USS Andrew Jackson. He owned and operated a dairy farm at Grovespring, Missouri from 1970 to 1982. After he and Gale were married in 1984, Donald worked as the Manager of the Shipping and Receiving Department of Famous-Barr, retiring in 1991.
He had made his profession of faith in Christ as a teenager in the First Baptist Church of Savannah, Missouri. He was a member of the Cassville First Baptist Church at the time of his passing.
In his spare time, Donald enjoyed playing golf, going on mission trips with his church, cross country bicycling, and showing Arabian Horses with his daughter, Briget.
Donald was a caring husband, father, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?