Obituary of LeRoy Roberts Roberts

LeRoy Roberts Jr., 86, was the oldest of eight children. He grew up in Toccoa, Georgia and was valedictorian of his high school. LeRoy earned a B.S. from San Francisco State College. Prior to his civilian career, LeRoy retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and was one of the distinguished aviators in World War II, known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He flew 42 missions against the enemy and served as a fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group in Italy. As a flight commander in the Korean War, he led 106 missions against the enemy in support of the United Nations' effort. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with one (1) cluster, the Air Medal with eleven (11) clusters and the Air Force Commendation with one (1) cluster. In May of 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Medal of Honor for their exemplary service and bravery in World War II. LeRoy was a gifted speaker who provided insight into the historic contribution and sacrifices the Tuskegee Airmen made for the freedom we all enjoy as Americans. He is preceded in death by his son, LeRoy Roberts, III and his granddaughter, Charlotte Factory. LeRoy is survived by his wife, Ann Johnson Roberts, three daughters - Karen Robinson, M.S., Susan Roberts, and Dr. Cheryl Roberts, his son-in-law Miller Adams, his grandson, Christopher Robinson, and great grandson David Issiah Donaldson. A rosary will be recited at Piper Morley Mellinger Funeral Home on Sunday, August 17th at 4:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 18th at St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma, WA. at 9:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the parish hall. A grave side service will be held at Calvary Cemetery following the reception. A memorial to honor his life will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Tuskegee Airmen National Scholarship Foundation P.O. Box 9166 Arlington, VA 22219-1166 Telephone number: (703)286-7653 Arrangements by Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home, 253-472-3353