Charles Roberts

Charles Roberts, 89, of Harrah, OK, passed away on Oct. 22, 2011. He was born on March 10, 1922, in Davenport, OK, to John F. Roberts and Almer Gentry Roberts. He worked on the family farm along with three brothers and five sisters until joining the U.S. Army in 1941. He served with the 9th Armored Division, Battery B, 73rd Armd Field Artillery, as a Fire Control Instrument Operator in central Europe during WWII. He was missing in action from 14 Dec 1943 to 1 Jan 1944 at Bastogne in Belgium while surrounded by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. Later, he was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptional service in ground battle against an armed enemy. He was discharged on Oct 2, 1945. Then on Aug 24, 1946, in Chandler, OK, he married the love of his life, Pearl Murphy Roberts. In 1950, he began his career at Tinker AFB. When he retired in 1976, he was working as an aircraft mechanic in the B52 Unit. He truly enjoyed his career at Tinker, and cherished the many friends he made while working there. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pearl, of the home; a daughter, Charlene Eddy and husband Roger of Harrah; and sons, George Roberts and wife Alisa of Harrah, and Steve Roberts and wife Donna of Harrah; eight grandchildren: Christie, Heather, Aaron, Crystal, Jadyn, Clint, Craig, and Leslie; 18 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Arbaugh of Afton, OK, and Marie Burkhardt of Futon, IL. This man who lived through the worse depression our country has ever known, endured the Dust Bowl days in Oklahoma that took the life of a baby sister, and fought in WWII with the greatest generation never considered himself anything other than an ordinary man. Dad, little did you know that your life exemplified excellence. Services to celebrate our Dad's remarkable life will be held on Wed., October 26, 201l, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, at 2185 N. Church Ave., and 23rd St., in Harrah, OK, with Rev. Gary Eubanks officiating. Interment will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.