Joe Bob "Junior" Roberts, 84, longtime Hughes County resident, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at Talihina Veterans Center in Talihina, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 2:30 PM at the Assembly of God Church in Holdenville, Oklahoma with Rev. Allen Lewis and George Carter officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Ambler, Adam Sumner, Ryan Poindexter, Brandon Arthur, Nick Arthur and Cody Shores. Honorary bearers will be Sam York and Joel Freeman. Burial will follow at Lamar Cemetery with full military rites. Services are under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville.
Joe Bob was born on September 12, 1925 in Wetumka, Oklahoma to Pleasant McMinn and Arie (Talley) Roberts. He was raised and attended school in Lamar, OK. In 2004 Mr. Roberts received an honorable Diploma of Graduation from Moss High School.
On January 18, 1944 Joe Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during World War II. He attained the rank of Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge on June 27, 1946.
Mr. Roberts married Bettye Carl and to this union four children were born. He later married Rosalee Lowe and she preceded him in death. He then married Edwina Fowler and she also preceded him in death.
Joe Bob owned and operated his own dozer service for many years. He was known to have built most of the farm ponds in and around Hughes County. He enjoyed his horses, traveling, playing his guitar and especially loved spending time with his family. He had a deep interest in military history and often talked about his time in the service with his family and friends. Mr. Roberts obtained his private pilot's license and loved to fly.
Joe Bob's favorite Biblical character was Daniel and love talking about the Bible. Joe Roberts - lived a life fully lived!
He is survived by his children Nancy Stirman and husband Rod of Perry, OK; Jimmy Roberts and wife Gayson of Holdenville, Kathe Arthur and husband Rick of Holdenville and Jana Slatton and husband David of Tulsa; mother of his children, Bettye Wagoner of Claremore, OK; nine grandchildren, Mary Margaret Ambler, Amy Roy, Leah Roberts, Shawn Poindexter, Brandon Arthur, Nick Arthur, Jill Moody, Kaci Melson and Adam Sumner; 21 great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.
Mr. Roberts was also preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Scott and Splint Roberts and three sisters, Mildred Robertson, Vecil Sliger and Margie Segovia.
An online guest book is available at www.phillipsfuneralservice.com