ROBERTS, LEON W. - age 92, of West Knoxville, Tenn. passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, October 16, 2009. He was a longtime and faithful member of Central Baptist Church, Bearden and was a member of the Adult 6A Sunday School Class. L. W., who had a life-long interest and involvement in cattle farming, was retired from The National Life and Accident Insurance Company as an executive with over 40 years of service. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elva Blanche Sizemore Roberts; and by his parents, Philip Henry Roberts and Serah Mabe Roberts, Sneedville, Tennessee. Leon was one of thirteen children, nine of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Lendall Roberts, Mike and B. J. Roberts; daughters and son-in-law, Lavene Guthrie and Jeanine and Robert H. Doyle, Jr.; grandchildren, Natalie and James Riley, Preston and Kerry Roberts, Jonathan and Andee Guthrie, Justin and Ashley Guthrie, Lauren Doyle, Parker Doyle, Bradley and Jenny Roberts, and Wesley and Kelly Roberts; great grandchildren, Allie, Chase and Greer Roberts; Mary Margaret Guthrie, Davis Guthrie and Connor Riley; brother, J. P. Roberts; sisters, Velma McDavid and Faye Trent; several nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a very special thank you to the loving caregivers, Nick and Zoe Marsionis, Lisa Holloway, Judy Berry, and Mary Moore. Funeral service 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Central Baptist Church, Bearden with Dr. Larry Fields officiating.
Family and friends will meet by 12:45 p.m. Monday at the main entrance to Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 1:00 p.m. graveside service.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Henry and Bobbie Chiles Mission Endowment Fund. c/o Central Baptist, Church, Bearden, 6300 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Central Baptist Church, Bearden. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.