Douglas David Roberts' Obituary
Douglas (Doug) David Roberts, 78, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2022 in his home, after a courageous 5-year battle of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Douglas was born on October 21, 1943 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late Nicholas and Marjorie Roberts.
Doug was a part of the graduating class of 1962 at Palm Beach High School West Palm Beach Florida. Although Douglas’s Journey started on June 13, 2022, we all know it truly got started when he met the love of his life Lee Roberts and were wed on August 30, 1963.
Douglas was a true warrior with a servant's heart. Family was everything to Doug so much so he packed up his whole life in Jupiter Farms and moved cross country to spend time with his kids & grandchildren to watch them grow in small town Erie, IL. One of his greatest teachings in life was that no project was too small or too complicated; for Doug if there was a will (and there were many for him) then there was a way. His mechanical abilities with engines and transmissions ranged from lawn mowers to SR71 jet engines and everything in between. His persistence and perseverance were just one of his many great qualities.
Doug’s hobbies included being outdoors, whether that was boating/fishing, going for early morning walks, or simply enjoying a cold beer in his garage/porch. If you knew Doug then you knew the doors were always wide open for family and friends. Doug was often found riding his motorcycle whether it was back and forth to work or on one of his many bike trips with brother (lifelong friend), Michael (Mickey/Mick) Thompson and son, Jeffrey (Jeff) Roberts. He loved building and racing cars in his early years. As the years went on, he would share his passion by watching races with his kids/grandkids but nothing could compare to what he would call “the good old days of drag racing” that he and his wife shared. While his family and friends will miss him dearly, they know he is up there breathing easy and enjoying the bright blue skies heaven has to offer. He has now found new roads to explore along with new and old family/friends to catch up with. As for his pride and joy (his family), we know you are giving all of us the big thumbs up with a smile. For you Pop-Pop we will continue to “Keep Smiling” & you will be Forever in our hearts. We hope you are enjoying the golden streets heaven has to offer, you truly are an angel.
He was preceded in death by Nicholas (Father) & Marjorie (Mother) Roberts, Richard Roberts (Brother).
Douglas is survived by Wife - Lee Robert; Son - Jeffrey (Gai Crawford) Roberts; Daughters - Carol Roberts Howard & Christine James; Grandchildren - Joseph (Taylor) Howard, Bradley (Kimberly) Howard, Brandon (Ana Smith) Howard, and Tiffany (Jordan) Shippert, Michael (Sam Miller) James, Christopher (Shannon) James, and Jack James; Great Grandchildren - Hunter Howard, Payzleigh Howard, Hoyt Howard, Mason James, Bransen Howard, Walker Howard, Hallee James, Waylon Howard, Iris Shippert; Sister - Sharyn (Sherry) Roberts (Niece Kimberly); Brother’s (family friends) - Michael Thompson & Bill Blalock.
Per Doug’s wishes, the family will be celebrating his life privately within the arms of their own family. The Family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the Kindred Hospice Service for all their Amazing Care and Support. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of his arrangements.
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