John Raymond “Sonny” Roberts Jr., 78, of Festus, formerly of Pevely, died Aug. 5, 2025, at his home. Mr. Roberts was a retired mechanic for the St. Louis Shipyard. He was a member of the Windsor Baptist Church in Imperial and a former member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in De Soto, where he served as a deacon. He also served with the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, spending time with his family and serving the Lord. Born Nov. 23, 1946, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Elizabeth (Naive) and John R. Roberts Sr.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years: Sharon Diane “Cher” (Nicolas) Roberts.
He is survived by a daughter: Dione F. (Earl Thomas) Pashia of Festus; a son: John R. Roberts III of Pevely; three sisters Dolly (the late Vito) Pulizzo of St. Louis, Pat (the late Rich) Hahl of St. Louis and Carol (the late Mike) Montandon of Barnhart; five grandchildren Christopher (Fey) Roberts, Nicole (rich) Trevino, Luke (Madison Bonney) Roberts, Levi Roberts and Ty Pashia; six great-grandchildren: Aiden Roderique, Gabriella Trevino, Sophie Roberts, Violet Roberts, Ameila Roberts and Chevy Rose Roberts; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He also was preceded in death by a brother: Jim (Joyce survives of Dittmer) Roberts; and a sister: Ruth (the late Don) Harmon.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the funeral home, officiated by Brother Rich Grayson. Burial will be in St. Trinity Cemetery in Lemay. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.