Howard Roberts

Howard Alden Roberts, a most beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and neighbor returned with honor peacefully to his heavenly home on August 18, 2023.

Howard was born June 2, 1940, to his loving parents, Alden and Clarice Greaves Roberts. He was the oldest of seven children, was a wonderful example and older brother to his siblings. They will miss his gentle and impressive leadership qualities that kept their family traditions alive.

He grew up in the small farming town of Annabella, Utah, where he learned many important life lessons. A love of family, faith, sports, hunting, nature, and of all God's creations were instilled in him there. He especially loved to ride his horse, Prince, up into the mountains. As a teenager he had many experiences on the farm, learning the value of hard work, which followed him throughout his entire life. His work ethic paid off and he passed that quality on later to his seven children who have been richly blessed by it. He was a talented athlete and sport enthusiast all around who instilled this love into his students, children, and grandchildren.

He attended South Sevier High School where he sang in the choir, acted in the school play, and played varsity basketball and baseball all three years. His senior year he was the pitcher for the baseball team and then became the relief pitcher for the College of Southern Utah from 1958-1960.

He was a dedicated, lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served valiantly in the East Central States Mission (mostly Tennessee) from 1960-1962. He served faithfully on three High Councils, in three Bishoprics, and spent most of his adult life as a youth leader. He also served as Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster having a great impact on the youth that he worked with. He was known as Coach Roberts at West Lake Junior High where he was a coach, teacher, and counselor for 29 years. Afterwards he served as a counselor at Cyprus High School until he retired in 2000.

He married Carlie Harris and had two lovely daughters, D'ana and Staci, and later divorced. He met and married Barbara Ann Bateman in 1974. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo, Utah Temple 49 years ago. Her two sons, James and Scott are now also his, along with Mark, Jillyn, and Melissa who were born to them. He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and cherished each one of them.

He and Barbara served two memorable missions together to the Palmyra Temple Mission and then to the Florida Tampa Mission. Both afforded them special experiences and opportunities to meet and make choice friends. Howard was well known and loved by all. He had a huge impact on everyone and blessed many lives.

He is lovingly referred to as a “Saint” who gave everything he had to his eternal companion with selfless Christlike love and devotion.  Rarely were they separated and never was their love for one another questioned.  Theirs is a love story written of in books that many dream of, but few obtain. How blessed we are to have known him and to call him brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. 

Survived by siblings: Kathleen (Michael) Sorensen, Julie (Kay) Kimball, Sharon (Danny) Anderson, Rick (Paula) Roberts, Mark (Debra) Roberts, and Steven (Ruth) Roberts.

Children: D'ana Baptiste, James Roberts, Staci (Tim) Huston, Scott (Debbie) Roberts, Jillyn (Jed) Egbert, Melissa (Chad) Nichols; and 26 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents and son, Mark Howard Roberts.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 31st, 2023, 11:00 am at the Bennion Heights 6th Ward, 5775 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, Utah.

Viewings will be held Wednesday August 30th, 6:00-8:00 pm at the McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 S Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah, and again on Thursday August 31st, 10:30-11:15 am at the Bennion Heights 6th Ward, 5775 S 2700 W, Taylorsville, Utah, prior to the funeral service.

Interment: West Jordan City Cemetery, 7925 S 1300 W, West Jordan, Utah.