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Don Laverne Roberts, 75, passed peacefully from our presence on Monday, August 13, 2007, after lengthy and multiple illnesses, into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father and his wife, best friend and partner Ira Elizabeth Roberts who passed away on February 16, 2007.
Don was born in Grady (CO), Oklahoma and lived in that area working on his family's farm and in the oilfields until he joined the United States Army in June 1955. He served most of his time in Giessen, Germany where he learned the trade of Auto Mechanic.
Don returned to Oklahoma and Texas working in the oilfields as a truck driver and in 1958 married his sweetheart, Ira.
Don worked in Abilene, Texas until 1963 when he moved with Ira and their daughter to Bakersfield, CA. After moving to Bakersfield, Don worked in the Kern Lake area as a farm laborer until 1968 when he went to work for Panama School District. Don drove a bus for Panama for many years and when he retired he was their Bus Maintenance supervisor.
He particularly enjoyed happenstance meetings with his former bus students and seeing them as adults.
Don was 1 pint shy of being a 13-gallon blood donor through Houchin Blood Bank and he was a thirty-three-time platelet donor. He was very proud of this achievement and his service to our community.
Don is survived by his loving daughter, Teresa and husband, Stan Beckham; he is also survived by his loving and devoted brother, Wayne Roberts and wife, Rose of Bakersfield; sister, Bernice Gilbert and husband, Tom of Luling, LA; brother, Joe Roberts and wife, Bette of Ringling, OK; and sister, Barbara Horn of Avondale, LA; his sisters-in-law, Marcella Mason and husband, Walter of Azle, TX; Pauline Renwood of Arlington, TX, Louise Saucier of Saucier, MS; and brother-in-law, Tony Price of Arlington, TX. Don was especially close to his nephews. Jerry Watkins and wife. Brenda of Carpinteria, CA; Ron Harrison and wife. Carolyn of Camarillo, CA; and Johnny Cain and wife. Nora Faye of Decatur, TX, all of whom Don regarded as sons more than nephews. Don was also proud and very fond of his nephew, Darrell Roberts and wife, Sherie; nieces, Lori Faulkenberry and husband, Scott; and Kellee and husband, Aaron Walker, all of Bakersfield. Don is survived by many more cousins, nephews, nieces and grand nephews and nieces all of whom held a very special place in his heart.
A special note of thanks to Dr. Stephen Newbrough who has been outstanding in his availability, responsiveness, caring and concern for many years, with whose assistance and the assistance of Kim Kotrla of the Kern County Chapter of the MS Society, and Chris Barrett of Valley Caregivers, Don was able to care for Ira in her own home until just the past few months, which was very important to both of them. A loving and special mention is made to Carrie Fritz of Optimal Home Health, who saved Don's life on April 5, 2006. The family is also thankful for the loving and devoted care of his nurse Margaret Roberts. The family thanks Dr's. Manu, Brar, Joshi, Ashraf, Loos and Devasia for their valiant efforts in bringing Don through some gravely ill times in June and July; we will never forget. Also, a special mention to the nurses at Beverly Manor namely, Delia, Susan Herrera, Rose, Jo, Flora and the tender care of Myrna and so many of the CNA's, namely Grace, Crystal, Cherie, Teresa and the many other aides whose support, caring and concern have made the last few months comfortable and bearable for Don.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Watkins, Ron Harrison, Darrell Roberts, Don G. Roberts, Keith McLain and Aaron Walker. Honorary Pallbearers are Max Yeates, Glen Roberts, Bobby McLain, Scott Faulkenberry, Corey Watkins and James Watkins. Jerry Watkins will also participate in the Veteran's tribute at graveside services.
Viewing will be at Hillcrest Mortuary on Friday, August 17th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and a chapel service will be held on Saturday, August 18th, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest with graveside interment service to follow.
The family invites all mourners to join them immediately following services at Wool Growers Restaurant, 620 E. 19th St., Bakersfield, CA.
In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, c/o of Kim Kotrla, 1800 30th St., Suite 105, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
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