Donald Martin Roberts

Donald Martin Roberts was born on September 27, 1934, the son of Russell and Leah (Miner) Roberts. Donnie came from a long line of coal miners—the son of a coal miner and the grandson of a coal miner. He graduated from Conesville High School in 1953, where he met the love of his life, Shirley (Vickers) Roberts. The two began dating and eventually married on July 2, 1955. They were married for 71 years and were a true example of the phrase “through sickness and in health.” Together, they had three beautiful daughters: Mindy Gowins, Misty Roberts, and Molly Roberts.

Donnie was hard work personified. At the age of 12, he went to work for his father, heating and straightening bits for the coal mine auger. After serving his country in the United States Army, Donnie worked at Broken Arrow Surface Mine and Baird’s Supply for many years before finding his way back to the coal mine. He went to work alongside his brother at Simco Peabody Surface Mine, where he performed many jobs, including working as a dragline operator. Before retiring in 1994, he worked in reclamation. He was a proud member of UMWA Local 1188, The Order of the Moose and the VFW. Even before finally settling into retirement, Donnie worked at Royce Craft Baskets for several years.

Donnie was always proud of his work ethic and never truly found the off switch. In retirement, that work ethic translated into the immense pride he took in caring for his yard. You were likely to find Donnie on his tractor, mowing or tending to his yard or one of his daughters’ yards. This was his happy place.

Donnie enjoyed watching a variety of women’s and men’s sports, especially his beloved Cleveland teams. His love for the Cleveland Browns never wavered. In the fall, he never missed an Ohio State football game, and in the summer, he loyally tuned in to watch the Cleveland Guardians. Watching Donnie watch a game was entertainment in itself. He was always animated, often jumping out of his seat to let out cheers of excitement or grumbles of disappointment.

But what Donnie loved most of all was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved going to their ball games as they grew up—his grandson Cody’s football games, Nathan’s basketball games, and Garrett’s football games. He was also a familiar face at the ball field for his only granddaughter, Caitlin, attending her softball games and following her career into college. When Wittenberg traveled to Kenyon, close enough to home for him to watch in person, Donnie was there.

Donnie treasured his great-grandchildren, Hendrix, Juni, and Emerson. He and Emme shared a special bond, spending a great deal of time together and always finding ways to make each other laugh. She was a bright light in his life, filling his last four years with fun, laughter, and happiness.

Donnie never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went. Many knew him by his snow-white hair and playful personality, as he was often teasing someone within moments of meeting them. He made friends with the cashiers at Buehler’s and the employees at McDonald’s during his daily trips to town. Donnie also had a group of friends at the Moose Lodge, including his friend Sam Fortune, with whom he regularly shared coffee and conversation.

Even during his last month, Donnie continued doing what came naturally to him—making friends. He formed connections with so many of his nurses and members of the hospital staff who cared for him. Donnie was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt by the many people whose lives were made a little brighter by knowing him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Roberts, his three daughters, Mindy (Michael) Gowins, Misty Roberts and Molly Roberts. His four grandchildren, Cody Gowins, Caitlin (Andrew) Fox, Nathan Stollings and Garrett (Haylee) Stollings; three great-grandchildren, Emerson Fox, Hendrix Stollings and Juni Stollings; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Donnie was the last surviving of Russell and Leah's 8 children; Sisters Hazel, Launa, Marie, Olean, Lois, Janet and one brother James Roberts.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 12:00 PM. Burial will be held at Coshocton County Memory Gardens with military Honors being conducted by the Coshocton County Veterans Council Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be made in Donnie’s name to the Coshocton County Animal Shelter.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.