1919 ~ 2004
Lester Wyatt Roberts, 84, passed away June 11, 2004 in St. George, UT. He was born October 9, 1919 in Goodsprings, TN to Grover Cleveland Roberts and Eula Rebecca Wyatt. He was a High Priest and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lester married Lura Virginia Russell on December 10, 1941 in Decatur, AL; their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.
He faithfully fulfilled all of his church callings, including serving a mission in northwest Alabama at age 19. After service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Lester worked in several professions: he was a farmer, sheepherder, custodian in the Iron County School District for 26 years, and part-time insurance and office supplies salesman. He also served on the Executive Board of the Utah School Employees Association.
Lester enjoyed gardening, making things from wood, and taking his grandchildren fishing. Lester loved sports, and both coached and umpired baseball. He enjoyed going to baseball, football, and basketball games, especially if one of his children or grandchildren was playing. Lester was also an ardent Utah Jazz fan. He was a soft spoken man who loved his family very much and was known to frequently brag about them.
Lester is survived by his wife Lura of St. George, UT; children Barbara Parry of Santa Clara, UT, Donald Roberts of Chandler, AZ, Dr. Wesley K. (Cheryl) Roberts of Sandy, UT, Gerry (Carmen) Roberts of Lumberton, TX, L. Wade (Marilyn) Roberts of Santa Clara, UT, Peggy (Dr. Lance) Whetten of Las Vegas, NV, and Nolan R. (Yolanda) Roberts of Chandler, AZ; sister-in-law Velma Roberts of Cedar City, UT; 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grand-children. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Minnie Williams Roberts, brothers Joseph and Russell, sister Estelle Jarrett, great-grandson Brandon Higbee, and son-in-law Sherwin Parry.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cedar 4th Ward Chapel (500 W 400 N, Cedar City). Friends and family may visit Monday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary and Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. until time of services at the church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through our website at www.southernutahmortuary.com. (435) 586-4040. The family would like to thank Dr. Rignell, the staff of Kolob Care Center in St. George, and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the loving care they gave to Lester.