Ralph W. Roberts' Obituary
Ralph W. Roberts, 90, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017. Ralph was born January 14, 1927 in Christopher, Illinois, the son of Nathan and Oma (Tedrick) Roberts. On June 22, 1952, he married Faye Virden. He joined the U.S. Army, serving in Frankfurt, Germany where he attained the rank of Corporal. After working a few years at the General Electric plant in Decatur, he returned to farming. For more than 50 years he tilled, planted and harvested in Central Illinois, taking pride in straight rows, clean beans and a timely harvest. He was very pleased that his only grandson chose a career in the ag industry. A man of few words, but great wisdom, Ralph had a deep faith in God and love for his family. He was a youth leader, Sunday School teacher and member of Summit Avenue Baptist Church. Ralph was a devoted husband, an amazing father, and a very proud grandfather. He was a great fisherman and enjoyed traveling, baseball, and woodworking, and he was always ready to have a little fun! He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Faye; daughters, Brenda Daniels of Niantic, and Donna (Bryan) Whitsett of Cerro Gordo; grandchildren, Matthew (Heather) Daniels, Jessica (Steve) Hecker, Karen (Kevin) White, and Bethany (Don) Cisco; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Peyton and Olivia Daniels, Jackson and Tyler Hecker, Benjamin and Andrew White, and Vivian Cisco; sisters, Murel Wright, Loretta Sullivan and Shirley Neece, and brother, William Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; brothers, Nathan and Marvin Roberts; sister, Marie Camp, and son-in-law, Philip Daniels. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, September 1, 2017 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home with graveside services at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 2, at Macon County Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research. The Roberts family is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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