Edward Ray Roberts was born 5/30/1927 in Lansing, Michigan, to Glenn and Hazel (Penoyer) Roberts. One of 5 children, he told many stories of life during the depression including having a huge garden and farm with always enough to eat and feeling bad for other children at the one-room schoolhouse he attended who had only pancakes every day for lunch. Dad was the consummate storyteller. His stories of the family farm (which was eventually bought by Michigan State University) were always a hit. When Dad was 15, he enlisted in the Navy and went off to the South Pacific during WWII. He served on the USS Honolulu, among others, was injured and spent a year on New Hebrides Island (in the Solomon Islands). Upon returning to the states, he landed in Miami on a yacht commissioned by the Navy. He liked to tell of the many exciting adventures he had there. Dad was extremely proud of his service to the country and thought enlisting was the best decision he had ever made. The VA took very good care of Dad throughout his life, for which we are grateful. Dad was a truck driver for over 40 years and retired from United Trucking Service in Findlay. He was a Teamster and loved to tell stories of knowing Jimmy Hoffa. In addition to being a very hard worker, his main goal in life was to be a good provider for his family. While we were not rich, we never wanted for anything. He was a good man, a strict disciplinarian, and a loving grandfather. Dad had an incredible love for all animals but especially dogs. A love which he has passed down to his children and grandchildren. While his German shepherd, Buddy, was his soul animal, his last years were spent with Sydney and Sadie, who were his best friends right up until the end.
Dad is survived by his sister, Delores Baker; his children, Pam (Ted) Bibler, Pat (Steve) True, and Tammy (Andy) Boyce; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; ex-wife Jeanne Braund; brothers Charlie Roberts and Gene Roberts, sister Marie Woodman Keiholtz; son, David Roberts; and great-granddaughter, Raelynn True. We are incredibly blessed to have had Dad for so long and that he could spend his declining years in the home of Pam and Ted where he was well cared for and loved. Thank you to the VA, the Bridge Hospice team and Judy Spieldenner who helped us in his final days.
A private service will be held for the family at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home in Findlay. Edward's nephew, Pastor Herb Roberts will officiate. Interment will follow at Knollcrest Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted by the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad. Memorials can be made in Edward's name to Teddy's Rescue, Findlay. Online condolences are welcomed at www.coldrencrates.com.