Search by Name

Pierce Roberts Obituary

Pierce J. Roberts

Battle Creek

Pierce J. Roberts, 83,  MI died at Bronson Battle Creek on Friday, November 22, 2013.

Pierce was born May 28, 1930 in Calumet, MI to Pierce and Georgia Alberta (Gilmore) Roberts.  He grew up in Calumet, was a 1948 graduate of Calumet High School and from Northern Michigan University with majors in History and Biology.  He then served two years with the U.S. Army 1953-55.  Pierce returned to Northern Michigan University and earned his teaching certificate and went on to the University of Michigan where he received a Master's Degree in Biology.  Pierce first taught in Coldwater and Hudson, prior to his 35 year career at Battle Creek Central High School, which began in 1959.  At BCCHS he taught History and Government; during which he coached football, track, and girls volleyball.

Pierce married Betty Ann Johnson in Marquette, MI on June 12, 1954.  Surviving are his wife, Betty Ann; two sons, Pierce "Gregory"  (Shannon) Roberts of Winnemucca, NV and Mark Roberts of Battle Creek; a daughter, Julie (Michael) Regner of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Bryan (Kelli) Regner, Adam (Katie) Regner, Erika Regner, Misha (Michael) Stannard and Hannah, Pierce James and Camille Roberts; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Elyse, Kayla and Anna Regner.  Pierce was preceded in death by his son, David J. Roberts September 5, 2005; by his parents and sister, Marcia Poull.

Pierce was a member of the Civil War Round Table, was a History Teacher of the Year in the State of Michigan, a member of the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame and the BCCHS Bearcat Hall of Fame.  He was elected to the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame and Pierce's blood ran Blue and Gold for the Bearcats.  He enjoyed woodworking, music and especially spending his summers at the family cottage in Gwinn, MI.

Friends will be received 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home.  Private services will be held for the family.  Inurnment will be at Haglund Cemetery in Skandia, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of ones' choice.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Nov. 24, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Pierce Roberts

Not sure what to say?





You made history come alive. Thanks for sharing yourself in class. You not only taught history but were history in my eyes. May eternal peace be yours.

Camille Hood (Gray-maiden name)

December 4, 2013

To Pierce's Family,
Pierce made my U.S History class at BCCHS come alive with his teaching style and captivating stories. His adeptness at storytelling is something I have tried to emulate in my 30 years of college teaching.
My favorite memories of Pierce where when I would come home to Battle Creek to visit my mother and the Y-Center would be kind enough to let me work out there in the mornings. I looked forward to seeing Pierce at his job there and talking with him about old times at BCCHS, the students, and life in general. After my mother passed those trips to Battle Creek stopped, but I will always have very fond memories of those conversations with 'Mr. Roberts'.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dan McQuiston

November 26, 2013

Mr. Roberts was my all time favorite high school teacher. He was an amazing teacher..so animated. He really got me into history, when I had him one semester...so I made sure to take Wars and Revolutions the next, so I could experience his great teaching again..complete with sound effects. My condolences to the family, and his friends also. What a great guy! He'll be missed.

BCCHS Class of 1988

Caralyn Barton (Loftis)

November 26, 2013

Rest in Peace Coach Roberts.

Wilbur Watson

November 25, 2013

Our prayers are with all who loved him. He was the best history teacher at BCCHS. Peace and Love, Jeanie Parrish & Family

November 25, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and the Roberts Family. Pierce was a colleague at BCCHS, a respected history teacher and football coach of our son Jay. May your memories sustain you and bless you. The Tad Randolph Family

Bonnie Randolph

November 24, 2013

Mr. Roberts was a big reason I went into education. I loved the way he taught history and how he even brought Vietnam veterans in to tell their stories. He truly had an impact on his students and I took every class that I could possibly take that he taught. He was always asking about my wrestling career and we loved talking sports. Mr Roberts, please say "Hello" to Mr. Evans for us. Both of you are in a wonderful place. Although you will be missed, you will never be forgotten. Bearcats Go! -Todd Skinner Class of '89 and current teacher.

Todd Skinner

November 24, 2013

Battle Creek Central Class of 1986. Rest in peace Mr. Roberts.

November 24, 2013

I'm always going to remember Mr Roberts, he truly was the best teacher I ever had at BCCHS. My Roberts gave me my love of history, up until I had him, I hated history and always thought it was boring. You were a great man and a great teacher Mr Roberts RIP My Friend :'(

Ronnie Bowen

November 24, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Roberts. Although I was a poor student, and wasn't receptive to his mentoring advice, I knew he was concerned about me, as he was about all in his charge. He was a great history teacher, and a great support for the young and impressionable students in his classes. Thank you, Mr. Roberts.

William Schaeffer

November 24, 2013

RIP Mr. Roberts.

Carol Dunham-Byrd

November 24, 2013

I always appreciated that Mr. Roberts provided a place for all the neighborhood kids to ice skate and walked us to school with his black lunch box. My brother Chris and I always considered the Roberts our second family and were always made welcome. God Bless you and may your fond memories of Mr. Roberts brighten the days ahead.

Mary (Vogt) Bobrofsky

November 24, 2013

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in Pierce Roberts's name

Memorial Events
for Pierce Roberts

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Pierce's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Pierce Roberts's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more