SOUTH WHITLEY – Lawrence A. Roberts, 94, South Whitley, passed away at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 16, 2017, at Miller’s at Oak Pointe where he had been a resident since September 2013. He was born Aug. 3, 1922, in Wabash County, a son of Elmer and Ethel Stoner Roberts. A lifelong resident of rural South Whitley, he graduated from South Whitley High School. On Nov. 25, 1942, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving during World War II. He was honorably discharged Nov. 23, 1943. On Nov. 4, 1944, he was united in marriage to Betty L. Tschantz. They celebrated 71 years of marriage. Mrs. Roberts passed on May 31, 2016. He owned and operated Roberts Body Shop in Collamer for over 50 years. He was a member of Collamer Christian Church. Surviving relatives include two children, Wayne Roberts and Julia (spouse Dan) Rowland, all of South Whitley; two daughters-in-law, Judy Roberts Egolf, Columbia City, and Sue Roberts, North Manchester; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by two sons, Randall Roberts and Kenton Roberts; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Roberts; a brother, Charles Roberts; and a sister, Dorothy McDonald. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials are to American Heart Association or Collamer Christian Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
