Jesse Howard Roberson: 1914 – 2008
Jesse Howard Roberson, 94, a long-time resident of rural Churubusco in Eel River Township, woke up in the presence of Jesus and the waiting arms of Martha at 9:30 p. m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2008. He had been in declining health for several years.
Mr. Roberson was born in Eel River Township on January 11, 1914, a son of David A. and Hanna Emily (Coffeld) Roberson, Jr., and graduated from Churubusco High School.
A member of the “Generation of Valor,” he fought in three major campaigns in Europe during World War II. During the war he was an infantryman and drove his half-track from Normandy to Berlin earning the following awards: Carbine Pistol, Good Conduct, World War II Victory, American Campaign, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medals.
Throughout the remainder of his life he told many humorous stories and anecdotes about the war. One story is about delivering a calf in Belgium and sitting down when the others were allowed to take a smoke break, but non-smokers were to keep on working; Jesse got a trip to the Coloner’s office on that one. Also, there was the time he made all the tank commanders change the grease fittings. To get this one accomplished, he, a PFC, needed the Colonel to tell the Lieutenants it was also his order, too. Some of the sad times were when he lost buddies during the war, or guarding Nazi’s loot–some being bags of gold teeth from. . .well, you can figure that out. He went through the war without being wounded. However, he almost died of typhoid fever and pneumonia after the war during the occupation of Germany.
On September 7, 1943 he was married to Martha Ellen Teague, and their only child Les was born in 1947. Following Jesse’s military discharge he returned to farming in Eel River Township near Churubusco. He was a leading dairy herdsman and implemented many progressive farming techniques he learned from the Purdue GI extension school. He was an early pioneer in soil conservation, using cover crops and planting practices. His dairy herd had one of the highest DHI scores in Indiana. He would buy bulls with award winning linage to improve his herd. On one occasion he had his son call the veterinarian–something he usually did himself. When the vet arrived he said, “I knew when Jesse called, it was going to be a difficult time.”
He retired from farming in 1979 and moved three miles east of his farm. He was a member of the South Wayne Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, but for eighty years was a member of the First Eel River Baptist Church on Carroll Road. During his life he was active in Farm Bureau. He was also a member, Past District Deputy Grand Master, and Past Grand of Harmony Lodge 19 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a member and Past Noble Grand of Concordia Rebekah Lodge 41 in Fort Wayne.
Jesse and his brother John Roberson farmed together. This worked out very well as they could count on the other when they needed four hands to get the job done–like at planting time, hay and wheat harvest, silo filling, or the bean and corn harvest. The two created a pond at the sight of a spring on John’s farm, and both enjoyed fishing for bluegill and bass on many a lazy morning or evening. They also planted acres of pop corn, and people came from far and near to buy it.
Jesse loved to play cards. His two favorite games were Pinochle and Euchre. The play he was noted for was to lead trump to take a row out. This usually worked, and most of the time he would “set” his opponents. . .leading to a lot of fun-filled ribbing and joking by the losers.
Jesse was a simple man of simple needs, and after the war he seldom traveled far. He explained to his son Les, “My farm is the best place in the world, and from what I’ve seen of the rest of the world, it can’t be beat.” He also said, “You don’t understand–farming is not work, it is fun to me.”
Mrs. Roberson preceded him in death on February 1, 2003.
The surviving relatives include his son Les (Sharon) Roberson of Churubusco; his grandsons Roy David (Robin) Roberson of Fort Wayne and Ben (Stacie) Roberson of Evergreen, Co; four great-grandchildren Brooke Roberson, Caleigh Roberson, Rozilynn Roberson, and Austin Roberson; and several nieces and nephews, including James “Oscar” (Liz) Blanton of Flagstaff, Ariz. whom he raised as a son.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers Paul Roberson, Earl Roberson, and John Roberson; and by a sister Francis Spice Wise.
At the time of his death, Jesse was living at Bethlehem Woods Nursing Home, under the care of Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home of Fort Wayne.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. Sunday, October 5, 2008, at The Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. James Lund and the Rev. Dr. Wungreiso Valui, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Saturday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service. Harmony Lodge 19 IOOF will conduct memorial services at 7:45 p. m. Saturday at the mortuary.
Interment will be in the family plot at Eel River Cemetery, one-half mile west of his beloved farm.
Preferred memorials are to the family.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Roberson’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Les I very sorry to hear about your loss. He sounds like a good man!
–
Eric Pitts
Terre Haute Ind.
http://eric.pitts.mystarband.net
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Les,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Although it is always sad for us when a family member passes on, it is a blessing that he lived such a long and full life. My thoughts are with your family.
Sara Orrell
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Les,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I know it’s a tough one but
you and your entire family can manage it. I know you’re the type of
individual who doesn’t need to be told to go to God with your grief. He’s
always there and you’re very aware of that.
I hope you and your entire family feel his revealing touch!
Take care and thanks for letting me know. I’ve sent this on to
everyone else within the flight.
Jeffrey L Hoffman, MSgt, IN ANG
NCOIC Maintenance Training Section
122MOF/MXOT
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hi Les,
Alan and I are very sorry for your loss,
We’ll lift you and Sharon up in prayer,
Jan
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Les, I am very sorry to hear that Jesse passed away I know that we are never ready to see them go. But we do realize that he is where he wanted to be and that was back with Martha and also with the Lord.
I will be on a bus trip Saturday and wont be back till 9:30 but I will be at the funeral on Sunday. Les you made my day with the remark about Eel River. Thanks. If there is anything that I can do all you have to do is let me know.
JoAnn Patton
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
He is in a far better place for sure. I know the loss is hard for you but I
also know that you are glad he doesn’t have to suffer the frailties of this
life anymore. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family.
Chip Beazley
Engility Corporation Contractor
HQ 754 ELSG/ILMMR
200 East Moore Drive
Bldg. 888 Rm. 2012
Maxwell AFB – Gunter Annex, AL 36114
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Dear Les,
Wow! Jesse had a marvelous life on earth, full and long! He will have an even better life in heaven.
I’m sorry for your loss, but we know it’s temporary; we’ll all be together again some day.
Heaven has gained a good, blessed soul. We’ll understand if we don’t see you this weekend,
–Liz
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Les,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
In FL&T and FH&C,
Jim Romack
October 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Les,
I will miss him a lot. He was always a great 2nd Dad & also Grandfather to our sons & grandchildren. Plus he was always a friend to me for 38 yrs. Sometime ago, he said if he got to heaven before I did, he would look up my folks & talk to them. I will certainly look all of them up when I get to heaven. I am saddened by his passing but have been praying for strength, comfort & acceptance for our family.
My condolences to you.
Marveta
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 am
Les,
I am thinking of you but unable to get to the funeral home for your dad because of another funeral.
With Sympathy,
Lynn Bonewitz
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
God Bless you, my friend. I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad had a long a vigorous life, I can tell. Be well. Take care!
Wendy Baker, Jr. Past President Rebekah Assembly of Massachusetts
October 4th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Les, I will miss seeing Dad every morning at breakfast when I go into work. Most of all I will miss having him open my office door and saying “how’s my Sweetheart” He will be sadly miss by the staff but as Mary said he was “must loved”..
He and my 2nd Mom will always have a special place in my heart…Love, your wife
October 5th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
My Dad Jesse Howard Roberson, January 11, 1914 – September 30, 2008 (34,601 days)
Who was he? He was a Soldier, Farmer, Husband, Father, Grand Father Great Grand Father, Lodge Brother, Friend and Neighbor.
As a soldier he was drafted into WWII. He fought in some of the toughest battles in Europe doing what soldiers do. He didn’t talk about the horrors of war but the compassionate side like the time he delivered a calf for two Belgium women, or the time his buddy was killed or the German girl need help and he helped find her a coat. The time a boy was taunting the US Troops and he skidded his half track to within inches of the boy leaping over the windshield grabbed the boy and fanned his behind and his mother came out running and he thought he was going to get hit by her broom and instead she swatted the boy’s behind. The candy and cigarettes he gave away (He didn’t smoke).
A Farmer: he was just a good one. He had a fine diary herd and was proud of it. I jokingly have said he had 35 wives, one in the house and 34 in the barn. He told me the only time he worked was the 3 years 7 months and 17 days he was in the Army; farming was a joy so how could it be work?
A Husband: He married my mother a short time after meeting her and yes there were some tough times but I never saw dad strike mom or even yell at her, he would just give her time to see it his way. His dad my grand dad told me he never went to bed mad at my grand mother but had spent many nights setting in the barn till the wee hours of the morning, I guess dad learned well from his dad.
As a Father: He was patient and slow to anger, and yes I gave him cause. I guess the harshest words he every said to me were “I’m disappointed in you son” Boy did they hurt but I had them coming.
As a Grand Father: after Gayle and I were divorced he always had time for you boys, taking you fishing and spending time with you I just never had time to do. Dad always knew just what to say to you and you are two fine men today in large part to my dad.
As a Great Grand Father: he was always glad to be around his great grand kids and they all loved him very much. I just wish you could have known him better. Ask your dads about him they or I will tell you about your truly Great Grand Father.
As a Lodge Brother he was liked by all and he served as Noble Grand, he was High Priest for many years and card player with the best of them.
As a Friend and Neighbor: in the neighborhood many boys especially the McKinley and Dixon kids found a friend in Jesse. If he could help a boy or neighbor he was always there. Likewise if he needed help they were there too. I can’t count all the good friends and neighbors he had. I once heard it said not to count your treasures by the money in the bank but by the friends you have. Dad you are truly a wealthy man.
In closing my dad was a simple man; simply good, loyal, kind, forgiving, thoughtful, reverend, hard working, fun to be around. This was and is my Dad.
October 6th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I was blown away by the love expressed in this obituary. I didn’t know the family or the gentleman reflected upon; however, after reading this one can only realize how much he will be missed by those in his life. These are the words that will stay in your hearts and memories of one so loved. I only hope we all make the effert to mean this much to those we have in our lives. And if we haven’t reading this should make us realize how much we are missing out on if we don’t. May your days be filled with wonderful memories of one so dear.