Council Grove – Kenneth Dale Roberts, 80, Council Grove, passed away March 9, 2018, at the Morris Co. hospital. He was born on March 10, 1937, to Fred & Ruth Cochran Roberts of Parkerville, Ks. Kenny was the youngest of 7 children. His father passed away when he was in his mid-teens, so Kenny quit school to begin working to help support his mother, later earning his GED.
Kenny married Jessie Juanita Bettles on July 30, 1960, at the home of her parents, with the Rev. Frank Anderson presiding. They have two children, Allen Roberts, and Nita (Richard) Nittler, both of Council Grove.
Kenny was a laborer all his life. He began working while in school at Powers IGA. After his father died, he got a job with the State DOT, and worked for a time on the turnpike as it was being constructed around the Kansas City area. He had worked as a route driver for Pepsi, as a full service filling station attendant for McGrew Tire in Herington, and for his brother, Tom, at the Skelly Service Station in Council Grove. As time went by, he became the parts manager for the John Deere dealership in Council Grove, and then for Bolton Chrysler, working there until 2002. In his part-time years following, he would fill in as a bulk mail carrier for Georgeann Scholes, and worked part time at Quality Profile when extra help was needed. Due to back issues, he was forced to retire.
Kenny was a member of the Kansas National Guard, serving at the same time as his brother, Bob. He liked to fish & hunt, to watch football on tv, and to play co-ed softball. He was also a musician, who’s love was playing the pedal steel guitar. He and Juanita played with several country western bands during the 70’s and 80’s, playing in the central and northeast part of the state. The local bands included the Midwest Railway Band, and the BJ-4, and these years were among some of his favorites.
Survivors include his wife, Juanita, of the home, his son, Allen, and daughter, Nita & husband Richard, of Council Grove, brother Bob Roberts, Council Grove, brother-in-law James Bettles, sister-in-law Karen Redding, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, his siblings Marge Casey, Janice Long, and Fred, Tom, & Glenn Roberts, sister-in-law Pat Bettles, and brother-in-law James Harper.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 13, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Council Grove. Services will be Wednesday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, with burial at the Delavan Cemetery. Dress is casual.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Morris County Hospital Foundation-Emergency Room Project. They may be sent in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.
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