05/09/2011

William H. Roberts, Jr.

May 6, 2011

OFDA received word William H. Roberts, Jr., 83, of New Lexington, Ohio died Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; born August 26, 1927 in East Fultonham, Ohio to the late William Henry and Edith Waneta Carter Roberts.

Bill was a 1945 graduate of Lash High School, Zanesville, Ohio; 1950 graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science; he received his Funeral Directors License on August 8, 1950 and Embalmer License on May 14, 1952 from the State of Ohio; he was the owner and operator of the Roberts Funeral Home, 304 Mill Street, New Lexington, Ohio for over 54 years. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of New Lexington.

He was elected to the Peoples National Bank's Board of Directors on July 13, 1981 and had served continuously for 30 years; Mr. Roberts was currently serving as chairman of the executive committee, after having served on the bank's audit, loan and investment committee's in prior years.

Life member of B.P.O.E. # 509 of New Lexington; New Lexington Lions Club; Ohio Funeral Directors Association; OFDA District #13; Ohio Embalmers Association; National Funeral Directors Association and the Perry County Farm Bureau. New Lexington Masonic Lodge #250 for 60 years; New Lexington Chapter #149 for 50 years; New Lexington Council #75 for 50 years; New Lexington Commandery #57 and New Lexington Eastern Star #167. United States Army Veteran; life member of John Tague Post #188, American Legion of New Lexington.

Survived by: wife, Polly Shaw Roberts of New Lexington; son, William H. Roberts, M.D. and his wife Barbara McGonagle of Danville, Illinois; granddaughter, Elizabeth Roberts of London, England; sister-in-law, Virginia Duvall Roberts; nieces, Renee (Robert) Deitrick, Rise (Ray) Fulmer, Cheryl VanSchaik and Becky Roberts; many other family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, preceded in death by, two brothers, Marion L. Roberts and Hubert R. Roberts; sister-in-law, Wilma Wilkins Roberts.

Calling hours will be held from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. with American Legion services at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2011 and 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. with Masonic Lodge services at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011 at the Roberts Funeral Home, 304 Mill Street, New Lexington, Ohio. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 126 South High Street, New Lexington, Ohio with Reverend Doug Widdowson and Reverend Richard Newlon officiating. Burial will be in New Lexington Cemetery with graveside military services by John Tague Post #188, American Legion, New Lexington.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Obituary and online register book at www.robertsfuneralhomenewlex.com