Donald Eugene Roberts

Donald Eugene Roberts, age 92 of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Don was born November 14, 1932, in Battle Creek, MI to Walter and Mildred (Day) Roberts. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1951 and was the captain of the undefeated 1950 football team that finished as the state runner up. He also obtained the rank of Eagle Scout and following graduation Don joined the Coast Guard. In 1956 he was joined in marriage with Carolyn Smith and they recently celebrated their 68th anniversary. Don and Carolyn were the resident managers at Wesley Woods United Methodist Church Camp in Dowling for 24 years, which is where they raised their family. Don enjoyed being active in his local community. He coached Little League baseball, served on the Delton-Kellogg school board, volunteered for the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s Sportsman Outreach Team fishing event, bird banding through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and was a board member of the American Camping Association. Don and Carolyn subsequently lived in Georgia and Florida working in property management. They retired after working several years as Quality Control Inspectors for KOA Kampgrounds traveling through 49 states. Don and Carolyn were active runners participating in hundreds of races across the country, running into their 80’s and were members of the Lakeland and Brandon (FL) Running Clubs. Don also completed two marathons and he and Carolyn volunteered and directed numerous races. Don’s passion was to cook, grill, and try new recipes. He originated a fundraiser for Veterans and First Responders in Lakeland, FL that involved him cooking over 100 pork butts on the grill for 24 straight hours. He did that for several years. For several years one of the annual highlights for Don and Carolyn was hosting the Smith family Christmas. The entire family looks back fondly on those times. He was a member of the Freemasonry and the VFW. Don is survived by his wife, Carolyn, three sons: Kevin, Keith (Karla), and Kraig; two grandchildren: Riley and Caroline (Jack), a sister Marian, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfuneralhome.org