Roberts, Harold Harmon 1923-2016

ROBERTS, WESELOH, READY, SHADLE, ANDERSON, TRACY

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 6/30/2016 at 15:33:21

Harold Harmon Roberts, 92, of Clinton, passed away, Monday, May 16, 2016 at Mercy Living Center – South.

There will be no services or visitation, per his wishes cremation rights will be observed. The cremains will be buried at sea by the United States Navy. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.

Harold was born on October 26, 1923 in Hartington, Nebraska, the son of Bert E. and Mary (Weseloh) Roberts. Harold attended Savanna, Illinois school systems. After school he worked in the CCC camp near Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. He then entered the United States Navy four weeks prior to the Pearl Harbor bombing and was sent overseas the next day to serve on the USS Pennslyvania, which was one of the surviving ships from the attack. While onboard ship he fought in the battle of the Coral Seas. He later served in the Fiji Islands, New Caledonia, Hawaii, and San Francisco building and maintaining torpedo and mine nets that protected the Navy ships.
Harold married Bernice Ready on August 2, 1947, in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Harold and Berniece lived and raised their children in Preston, Iowa for the majority of their married lives together. After his wife passed Harold moved to an apartment in Preston, then later to Clinton and lived in the Sarah Harding Home for a year and a half prior to moving to Mercy South.

Harold was employed with Ralston Purina, retiring in 1984. Harold was also a carpent installer and railroad worker prior to working at Ralston. Harold also served as the town cop for the city of Preston and had the nick name of Andy Bob, which in the 60’s meant a cross between Sheriff Andy Taylor and Bob, short for Roberts.

Harold enjoyed family gatherings especially during the holidays. He enjoyed traveling with family and travled many places in the US including Alaska. Harold enjoyed visits with his brothers and sisters and they would play Dominos and Pitch for hours on end, two games they all played as children growing up together in Nebraska and Savanna, Illinois. Harold and his siblings would often talk of family lore of a friendshop connection with the Jesse and Frank James family during days of building the railroad in the south during hard times. There was always mention of Jesse and Frank staying a winter on the Roberts property east of Savanna. A good family story at best.
Harold also enjoyed bible study with his daughter Karen and continued to attend after her passing. Harold was also an avid fisherman.

Survivors include his children, Cheryl Shadle of Clinton, Iowa; Ric (Judy) Roberts of Fulton, Illinois; Mark Roberts of Bloomington, Illinois; Tina (Tim) Anderson of Clinton, Iowa, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, and infant daughter: Patricia, daughter: Karen Tracy, son; Scott Roberts, six brothers, three sisters, and his parents.