Robert "Bob" Roberts

Robert E. "Bob" Roberts entered his eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 18, 2023, with his family by his side at his home in rural Valeda, Kansas.

Bob was the first-born child to Fredrick Bryan and Mattie Frances (Martin) Roberts, on May 16, 1927, at home on the family farm in Valeda, just east of Coffeyville. Over the next several years three siblings were born, Jim, Joe, and Pat.  He attended grade school just a mile down the road at McKinnon Rural School. Bob continued his education at Valeda High School, graduating at Labette County Community High School, where he roomed with a host family during the week in Altamont, since transportation wasn’t as convenient as today. During his senior year, Bob enlisted in the US Navy, being called to basic training prior to graduation. He served his duty to his country and received his honorable discharge on August 9, 1946. Upon returning home, he completed the few classes he had left and received his diploma.

One evening while attending the Free Picture Show in Valeda, a beautiful young woman by the name of Reba L. Martin caught his eye.  After introducing himself, he proceeded to ask her out on a date, that led to a courtship and then marriage.  Bob and Reba were married on September 5, 1954. It was a scorching hot summer day; the temperature was 115 degrees in the shade on the north side of the Edna United Methodist Church. (Air conditioning wasn’t even an option and not even a water cooler was in the church). The weather added to the memorable occasion for sure, but he and Reba cherished that day for more than the weather and have celebrated 68 years together.  The couple made their home in rural Valeda raising their three children, Robin, Rita, and Rhonda. Bob has always lived within the same mile section that he and Reba still reside, excluding just a short time at the beginning of their marriage.

Valeda United Methodist Church has been home to Bob his entire life.  He began attending there with his parents.  He and Reba raised their children in the church, and he was still attending regularly.  He loved God and his Savior Jesus Christ; he was strongly convicted to live a Godly life.

Bob loved his family and truly enjoyed deep conversation with them and his friends and neighbors.  He enjoyed encouraging his kids to enjoy animals, to raise livestock and the simple things in life. Raising cattle on the family farm and taking Reba on a ride across the pasture on the gator and country living were just a few of his pleasures in life. After 40 plus years of employment at Funk Manufacturing, now known as John Deere, he retired. Many of his co-workers were also great friends. He was a BIG FAN of the Cardinals!!! He never missed watching a game if he had a choice in the matter.  He attended the 1968 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals vs the Detroit Tigers in St. Louis. He never forgot the experience.  He also enjoyed keeping up with the local PRCA contestants watching the Cowboy Channel.

Bob is survived by his wife, Reba, son Robin Roberts, daughter Rhonda and her husband Alan Cole, grandchildren, Whitney Cole, Kari Buetow, Kristen Carzoli, Kelsey Opat and Darcy Dixon and seven great grandchildren, brother Joe Roberts and sister Pat Layton, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jim Roberts, daughter Rita Buetow, great-granddaughter Mia Cole and daughter-in-law Norma Roberts.

Funeral Services celebrating Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 11 am at Valeda United Methodist Church, 200 Howard St., in Valeda just south of US Hwy 166. Interment will follow the service at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas from 6 to 8pm.  The family has requested memorial contributions be made payable to Valeda United Methodist Church and may be left in care of the chapel.  Services will be streamed live under his obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com where online condolences and memories can be shared.