Star Beacon
LAKELAND, Fla. —
Eldon G. Roberts, age 87, of Charolais Drive, Lakeland, Fla., went home to be with the Lord Tuesday evening, August 24, 2010, at his residence with his family by his side. He died peacefully after fighting lung cancer.
He was born Jan. 2, 1923, in Lenox Township, the son of Nelson G. and Vida M. (Frase) Roberts and lived in Jefferson for 65 years before moving to Florida in 1988. Mr. Roberts was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II. He was married to Frances M. Sleeper on August 22, 1943, and they just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Mr. Roberts retired in 1988 after working as office manager for Douglas Lumber, served 10 years as office manager for Laird Lumber and worked 19 years at Union Carbide.
He was a member of American Baptist Church in Lakeland, Fla., where he served as usher and trustee. He was a former member of Jefferson First Baptist Church, where he served as usher, trustee, Board of Christian Education, coach of the church softball team, President of Buenos Amigos Sunday School Class and church deacon.
He was a member of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Dept., where he served as Captain and Assistant Fire Chief and participated in fish fries at the Ashtabula County Fair and on the square in Jefferson. He enjoyed woodworking, custom formica work, hunting, fishing, camping and helping others.
Survivors include his wife, Frances; daughter, Cindy Beckwith of Lakeland, Fla.; grandson, Scott Rippons and his fiancée, Melanie Brown, and her son, Philip, of Boca Raton, Fla.; five nieces; four nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and a brother-in-law, Don Scofield of Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Jeanette Scofield and Velma King.
Funeral Services were held August 27th, at American Baptist Church, 1500 W. Daughtery Road, Lakeland, Fla. 33810, with a Visitation from 2 to 3 p.m., at the Church.
Additional Services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 2nd, at the Jefferson Home of FLEMING & BILLMAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS, INC., 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, with Pastor Ed Pickard officiating. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, prior to the Service at the Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 85 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047, the American Baptist Church (at the above address) or to Jefferson Volunteer Fire Dept., 86 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047.
Obituary and condolences at fleming-billman.com and starbeacon.com.
