Roger Irvin “Boots” Roberts was born December 30, 1946 in Kansas City, MO to Melvin Dean and Loless (Coleman) Roberts. He passed away June 7, 2014 at his home in Osceola, MO.
Boots was a much-loved family man. He was united in marriage to Linda Jean Muri on October 4, 1968 in Kansas City, Missouri. To this marriage two children were born, Shelly Renee and Kress Leroy. He cherished his family dearly and lived life to the fullest doing everything he enjoyed the most at every chance he got.
He took a lot of pride in his work. Whether he was building a home, roofing, plumbing, running a dry-cleaning business, driving a semi, working for the city of Osceola, out building bird houses or working in his yard and garden. All of this work brought him happiness and a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
Boots loved building things, painting and playing music. Throughout the years he played in many bands. Early on he played and sang lead in Midnight Express and Wildfire. Later he did the same in The Backroads Band with Earl Zeiler, Andy Johnson, Terry Bales, J.R. Carroll, Buford Casebolt and Kevin Whiteing followed by The Two Rivers Band with his son, Kress Roberts, Terry, Andy, Buford, Zandy Deckard and Norman Hayslett. He painted many entertaining scenes on Kress and Shelly’s childhood rooms and also painted a number of murals on walls in the home. He loved to detail the birdhouses and other carvings he made.
After retiring from the City of Osceola in 2008, Boots put his artistic talents to work on elaborate bird houses that are enjoyed by many family member, close friends and neighbors. Many hours were spent building cabinets that were added all over the home and other furniture used by family. He could also often be found in the boat or on the riverbank fishing. Even though he didn’t eat fish he could clean and cook them fabulously.
Preceding Roger in death is his father Dean Roberts of Osceola.
Boots is survived by his mother Loless Roberts of Osceola, Missouri, his precious wife Linda, his children Shelly and Kevin Larsen of Austin, Texas and Kress and Cathy Roberts of Osceola. Also, his grandchildren Leslie Perkins of Olathe, Ashley Roberts of Springfield and great-grandchildren Abigail, Emmalie, Mason and Evan along with many cherished extended family members and friends.
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