Photo courtesy of Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home - Nappanee
Nappanee, Indiana
1965 - 2017 (Age 52)
Judge Lt. Col. Ret. Evan S. Roberts, age 52, Nappanee, died at 3:30 am, Saturday, November 11, 2017 at NorthWestern Hospital in Chicago after a courageous battle with AML Leukemia which was diagnosed in March 2017. He was born September 11, 1965 in Chicago, IL to Donald and Phyllis (Wexler) Roberts.
He was a graduate of Deerfield High School in Chicago, Purdue University, John Marshall Law School in Chicago and earned his Master of Laws (LLM) Degree from Georgetown University.
He served in the United States Marines in Quantico, VA. Lt. Col. Roberts mentored many new JAG officers of the responsibilities they would face as new officers.
On August 4, 1990, he married Susan Arch in Bremen. In 1994 they moved to Nappanee from Quantico, VA. He opened his first law office in Bremen and opened his office in Nappanee a year later. On January 1, 2006, he was appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels as Judge of Elkhart Superior Court I.
Lt. Col. Roberts was a board member of Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee. He enjoyed mentoring to others and most of all being Husband and Dad.
Surviving is his wife, Susan; daughters, Zoe and Elle, both at home; father, Donald Roberts, Chicago; sisters, Jennifer (Darrell) Dockery, Bowling Brook, IL, Mary (Doug) Frist, Napoleon, OH; brother, Adam (Christine) Roberts, Deerfield, IL; mother-in-law, Linda Arch, Nappanee; sister-in-law, Angie (Andy) Swain, Nappanee; and brother-in-law, Chas (Shelly) Arch, Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Roberts.
Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8, Thursday, November 16, 2017 in the Grand Hall at Nappanee Missionary Church. Military Honor Guard services with Pastor Dave Engbrecht officiating will take place at the Church at 4:30, Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be given to Evan Roberts Memorial Scholarship. Envelopes will be available at the Church, Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, or any First Source Bank location.
Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
Read MoreEvan. I loved ya bud. A great Marine Officer you were. You and Susie. I’m sitting here in St. Louis all these years ago. You set example for all of us. Love ya. Miss ya Semper Fidelis my friend
Michael Blessing
July 15, 2025 | St Louis, MO | Friend
Still miss you Evan!
John Maciejczyk
November 07, 2024 | South Bend, IN | Friend
I. Will. Miss. You. Judge. Roberts. You. I. Have. Learned. Alot. From. You. Sir. You. Opened. My. Eyes. Thou. 7. Years. No. Trouble. For. Me. Thank. You
Crystal Morrow
November 20, 2017 | Elkhart., IN
So sorry for your loss. Evan helped my family through a very tough time and he did it with love and compassion. We will be forever grateful for him. With love from the Hershberger family.
Evan, may you inspire everyone in heaven!
Omar Hershberger
November 16, 2017 | Goshen, IN
Evan Roberts . A man of interigty . A loving husband and father . A love of his fellowman . A generous dedicated and devoted man . A man who was fair in his decisions on the bench . A man who when you ran into him out and about in the community . Was very glad to see you . He would always inquire about you what you had been up to and your family . This with a warm smile on his face .
I had the privilege of helping him on his campaign . It has been a high privilege to call him my friend ....
November 16, 2017
Dear Susan,
I worked closely with Evan over 14 years ago and we have been friends ever since. He was an amazing man. I don't know if I have ever known anyone more conscientious in his professional life, thoroughly honest, and a faithful friend. He truly is one of the best people I have ever known and I am sick at losing him. But I know whatever I feel pales in comparison to your loss. His loss is a huge loss to our community and profession.
Deepest Sympathy,
John M. Maciejczyk
John Maciejczyk
November 16, 2017 | South Bend, IN
Judge Roberts is a man who left a legacy through his servant heart to God #1, Family #2, and his Country #3! You will be missed Judge Roberts!
Shawn Johnson
November 16, 2017 | Nappanee, IN
Dear Susan, Zoey and Elle,
I have never met you; however, I had the pleasure of meeting your father at a prosecutors' training seminar in South Carolina back in 2004. Even knowing Evan for such a short time, it was evident that he was a good man who spoke kindly about and to everyone. I also vividly remember how he spoke about you, his family. He had such obvious love for, admiration of and dedication to his wife and daughters. I just learned of Evan's passing. What a sad day for...
Jessica Hartnett
November 15, 2017 | Bakersfield, CA
I grew up living a few doors from the Roberts family. We all became close friends and Even was always kind and giving even as a young man. When he left home for school we all knew he would he wrould make everyone proud of him. Even though many years has passed I have always kept in touch with his sister Mary. My family and my self are deeply saddened by Evens passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Elyse (Blumberg). Sacco
November 15, 2017 | Chicago, IL | Neighbor