Perry Junior Roberts

Perry Junior Roberts, the son of Samuel Perry and Ellen Marie Bladt Roberts, was born April 30, 1921, at his parents’ home in Audubon, Iowa and died March 28, 2012, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 90 years, 10 months, and 28 days. Perry was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon. He attended Audubon Community Schools graduating with the High School Class of 1939. While attending school, Perry worked part time at his father’s feed and seed store. Upon graduation he was employed full time at the store. On March 9, 1942, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Hayden in Audubon. Three children Julie, Carolyn, and John were born to this union. On August 27, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. During his tour of duty he graduated from Cadet School and was commissioned a Flight Officer as an air craft observer (bombardier) on October 23, 1943. On March 12, 1944, he was transferred to England where he flew 30 missions over enemy territory with the 448th Bombardment group. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on August 1, 1944. He returned to the States and was stationed at Kirtland Air Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was a bombardier instructor. Perry was later transferred to Victorville, California where he instructed radar navigators. While in the service his father died and his mother Marie and wife Evelyn operated Roberts Produce until he was honorably discharged on October 4, 1944. Perry returned to Audubon and established a partnership with his brother Oliver in what eventually became Roberts Rural Supply which they operated for many years. Later Perry was employed by Petersen-Evans Agency which became Dick Evans Agency and finally worked for Nisha Valley Insurance from which he retired. Perry was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Audubon since 1968, where he served on various committees, was chairman of the Official Board, taught Sunday school for many years, and was a member of the Methodist Men. He was a member of the Audubon Chamber of Commerce and served on committees and as past president. He served on the Audubon School Board and served as president. Perry was a member and past president of the Audubon Lions Club, a member of the Masonic Lodge and served as Past Worthy Patron of Eastern Star. He worked tirelessly to retain the Rock Island Railroad branch line. He was one of the founders of Operation T-Bone. Perry was an enthusiastic promoter of Audubon and cared about the members of the community. His favorite past time was playing golf with friends. Perry was an avid, but serious Chicago Cubs fan since the age of twelve. Perry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Oliver and wife Florence Roberts; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Clark and Eva Hayden and his brother-in-law Glen and wife Julia Hayden. Survivors include his wife Evelyn Roberts of Audubon, Iowa; his children: Julie K. and husband James Soucy of Daytona Beach, Florida; Carolyn and husband Gregory Bruun of Audubon; John P. and wife Jan Roberts of Audubon; his grandchildren: Christine L. and husband Chase Pozzi of Ridgefield, Washington; William M. Frank of Daytona Beach; Charles D. Frank of Douglasville, Georgia; Matthew N. and wife Melanie Olesen of Harlan, Iowa; Sarah A. and husband Stephen Asmus of Audubon; Aaron P. Roberts and Joanna C. Roberts both of Audubon; his great grandchildren Jessie Marie Pozzi of Ridgefield, Alexis L. Frank and Hayden J. Frank both of Daytona Beach, Tyler J. Frank and Kyleigh A. Frank both of Douglasville, Dilan S. Olesen, Haley Jo Olesen, Shelby R. Olesen, Levi Preston, and Kendal Preston, Katelyn R. Asmus, Victoria I. Asmus , and Alexandra E. Asmus all of Audubon; his sister-in-law: Mary and husband Fred Stevens of Ames, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be at a later date in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.

Service:
Celebration of life memorial services will be conducted by Pastor Emeritus Dwayne Ferguson on Monday, April 2, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.