I did not know this gentleman but my parents did.  My father was a copilot on a B-17 in Europe between April and Sept 1943. After being returned to the States he became an Instrument Check Pilot at the Army Air Base at Gulfport, Mississippi until his discharge in 1945. While going through my parents things, I found a Christmas card addressed to 2nd Lt. John H. Roberts, POW,  from my parents postmarked Gulfport, Miss, Dec 26, 1944. The card was returned by the Censor because of the return address they used. A note inside says
	“Hello John, Just to say we think of you often – Hear from Gladys when she has a moment to 	write. Everything is fine with the two of us – As ever our love, Jane and Charles.”
Apparently my parents met John and Gladys while they were all stationed at Gulfport AAB. 
These men were truly members of the “Greatest Generation.” If we remember them, they do not die.
										Jon Harpool


Uncle John had a great memory that allowed him to be the family historian.  He could tell those family stories with great detail.  My earliest memories of time with him included camping in a tent (army surplus I would guess) that felt large enough to hold several families. and perhaps it did as it seems there were several cousins there as well.  My father, Bob, one of the twins, loved how John could fill in the memories of the early years in Montana.  John told the story of the twins coming home from the hospital with great joy and pride. He was fortunate to live a long full life.

Uncle John was a Patriarch to our family. He will be greatly missed. I have loved reading and re-reading his WWII stories. I will not be able to attend the funeral services, but I will light a candle to honor uncle John. What a hero. Donna, Lorraine, and Leon my thoughts and prayers will be with you and the rest of our family too. Love to all!

Uncle John will be missed by all of our family.  I believe he was a significant part of the Roberts family and no doubt close to my Mom, Evelyn.  Of all of the 6 kids, John was most like Grandpa Roberts, both in personality and appearance.  During my growing up years we had great play times with Donna, Leon and Lorraine.  Certainly it was the home we visited most often, compared to the the other cousins.  Uncle John's synical sense of humor has always created a smile, but his love for God, Gladys and family was also apparent.  His service to our country has been deeply admired and respected by Dale and I.  We heard many stories that were humorous (i.e., joining the military by adding coins to shoes for extra weight) as well as harrowing experiences when in captivity.  To honor Uncle John in a small way, the recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb crisp that I am making for the luncheon (after funeral) comes from Gladys.  She shared it with me in 1984 and I have used it on many occasions.   If Uncle John were here today, I know he would enjoy it's tangy-sweet flavor!  May God bring comfort to the family in the loss of a great man!

Cherish Your Memories
John will be missed this New Years Day at the Johnson House.

OBITUARY

John Henry Roberts

January 20, 1921 – November 23, 2015

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services