Don Wayne Roberts Obituary (1931 - 2020)

July 25, 1931 – March 3, 2020 “The Man With No Enemies” Don Wayne Roberts was born July 25, 1931 in Buhl, Idaho and passed away March 3, 2020 in Murray, Utah. He was the son Estel Frederick Roberts of Broadhead, Kentucky and Bernice Lola Van Stralen of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada of which both have preceded him in death. Don is also preceded in death by a beloved daughter, Ruth Ann Roberts (9 months); brother, Samuel; and sisters, Iva and Louise. Lastly, his “pup” mini-poodle and favorite, “Tweedy Pie” Don is survived by his wife, of almost 67 years; daughter, JoNell (Wayne) DeGesualdo of Grand Junction, Colorado; sons, Steven Don (Mary) Roberts of Woodscross, Utah; and Phillip Wayne Roberts of Kuna, Idaho. He has eight grandchildren, April Dawn Cook, Daniel Wayne DeGesualdo, Jessica Morris, Sarah Rose Ross, Joshua Don Roberts, Whitney Leann Pallas, Timothy Phillip Roberts and Bailey Jean Thornblad. Don has four great-grandsons and four great-granddaughters and one due in April 2020. He also survived by two sisters, Anne Clark and Lynn O’Leary. During his early years he and his family farmed around Buhl and Twin Falls, Idaho. He served in the Idaho National Guard between 1946 and 1956. It was at the Assembly of God church in Rupert, Idaho where he met Danny Herndon. He asked her out for their first date on January 6, 1953 and after a brief courtship they were married on April 15, 1953 at the same church where they met. At the time of his death he and Danny had spent 24,430 days or 66 years10 months and 18 days together. In 1957 he moved his family from Rupert, Idaho to Salt Lake City with their two children. There they added a daughter, Ruth Ann and a son, Phillip Wayne to the family. Don changed his career path from being a farmer to a Truck Driver and was a member Teamster Union Local 222 for 37 years. Thirty Three of those years he drove for Garrett Freight Lines. One of his favorite trucking stories was he moved a grand piano from New York City to California for movie stars Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds and had the privilege of holding their baby, Carrie Fisher aka Princess Leah. During his 43 years in the Salt Lake City area he and his family were active members of Kearns/Valley Assembly of God where he served on the board of Deacons for over 25 years and in their last few years in Salt Lake became a member of Christian Center. At both churches he and his best friend, Frank Miller were faithful grounds keepers, maintained church vehicles and general all around workers for the Lord. There wasn’t a pastor, evangelist or missionary who he didn’t either provide engine work, maintenance or a paint job if needed, he never took a dime nor did he expect recognition. He was a quiet, faithful follower and laborer of Jesus Christ. Don “semi retired” in 1999 and in 2000 he and Danny moved to Twin Falls. He couldn’t give up trucking, so for a few years he picked up and delivered sugar beets. They resided in Twin Falls until February 2019 when due to health issues they moved back to Salt Lake City to be closer to their family. Don’s grandson, Timothy along with Heather took them in and loving cared for and nursed them back to health until December of 2019 when both Don and Danny decided to move to Olympus Ranch Senior Living Center. Don enjoyed going to the Texas Roadhouse with his family and loved “Rib Eye Steak”, RARE. During the last two months of his life, when his daughter would call, he would tell her “I’m still waiting for you take me to the Texas Road House!” A week and a half before he passed his health had taken a turn for the worse, but that didn’t deter him HE wanted his steak. With the permission and encouragement of his nurse, Steve, Wayne, JoNell and Danny loaded him up in the car and took him to the Texas Road House where he ate about 7 oz of a 10 oz Rib Eye. It was the last time he ate anything of substance. His family and friends rallied around Don during the last three days of his life, visited and told stories as Don listened and would occasionally offer up his version of the events. Monday evening, Don looked at Danny, she kissed him on the forehead and told him that she loved him, he replied in a weak voice “I love you too, mom”. Those were his last spoken words. At 3:27 AM on March 3, 2020 while sitting in his recliner Don stepped from his tired, worn body and became new and whole again with his beloved wife, Danny and daughter, JoNell holding his hand. “WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE A RULER OVER MANY THINGS, ENTER INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD.” Matthew 25:21 KJV A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Abundant Life Assembly of God 410 North Main St., North Salt Lake, Utah