Charles F. Roberts

Charles F. Roberts, of Blacksburg, Va., died on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at Kroontje Health Care Center following a long illness. Born in Barbourville, Ky., on April 15, 1923, Charles earned a B.S. degree from Norwich University, Northfield, Vt., and an M.S. degree from MIT, Boston, Mass. A veteran officer, Charles served as a meteorologist in the Army Air Corps, later the United States Air Force, in the Pacific during World War II and again during the Korean War. During his career as a research meteorologist he served the U.S. Weather Service and the U.S. Forest Service developing innovative systems to improve weather forecasting accuracy for storm tracking analysis, farming applications and forest fire fighting. He was instrumental in doing the research that supported and led to the probability forecasting technique used today. In retirement, Charles was active in the NARFE organization, political action groups and worked as a volunteer for the Montgomery County Humane Society. Charles was a wonderful and beloved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Madlyn P. Roberts; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly R. and Kevin Lionarons, of Paducah, Ky., and Carolyn R. and Rick Wall, of Blacksburg; two sons and a daughter-in-law, James P. and Nancy Roberts, of Counce, Tenn., and Charles F. Roberts II, of Fairfax, Va.; grandchildren, Frenda and Nathan Wall; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staffs of Kroontje Health Care Center and Good Samaritan Hospice for their excellent care of Charles. They would also like to thank the Virginia Tech Adult Care Center for their support and care for Charles in the early stages of his illness. The family will be honoring Charles' request for no visitation or service. A private ash scattering ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montgomery County Humane Society, P.O. Box 287, Blacksburg, Va. 24063 or to the Good Samaritan Hospice, 125-E Arrowhead Trail, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. The family is being served by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.