Edwin “Earl” Roberts, 87, of Festus died Feb. 28, 2017, at Fountainbleau Nursing Center in Festus. Mr. Roberts was a salesman and a member of First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, and was a member of Elks Lodge 1721 and the Mississippi River Eagles. Born April 27, 1929, in Festus, he was the son of the late Irene E. (Koester) and Dean M. Roberts.
He is survived by a son: Terry (Debbie) Roberts of Festus; a daughter-in-law: Carla Roberts of Festus; two sisters: Martha (the late Byron) Santschi of Jefferson County and Mary Ellen Chapman of Texas; five grandchildren: Brock (Tracey) Roberts of St. Clair, Amanda (Rhett) Suttmueller of St. Clair, Chris (fiancé Melissa Thomas) Roberts of French Village, Byrant (Holly Shoults) Roberts of Festus and Molly (Dustin Black) Roberts of Pevely; 11 great-grandchildren: Braydon Roberts, Landen Roberts, Kamdin Roberts, Rachel Suttmueller, Chase Suttmueller, Launa Roberts, Brett Roberts, Khloe Davidson, Axley Black, Drayden Black and Lilly Roberts; and his longtime companion, Tamara Pond. He was preceded in death by two sons: Arthur Dean “Arty” Roberts and infant Ricky A. Roberts; and a sister: June M. Tanner.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at First United Methodist Church in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Andy Blacksher. Burial is in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.