Vaughn H. Roberts

1925 - 2018

Vaughn H. Roberts CLEBURNE -- Vaughn H. Roberts, 93, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Cleburne, Texas. He was born February 16, 1925, in Rock Island, Ill., to Lysle and Irma Martin Roberts. During 1943, at the height of World War II, Vaughn graduated from Rock Island High School and immediately enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. As a "Flying Sergeant," Roberts was assigned to fly the Republic P47 Thunderbolt. After the war, he continued his military aviation career eventually flying the early fighter jets, F84 and F86. After transitioning to the C-130 Hercules, Vaughn served three combat tours in and around the Republic of Vietnam. Vaughn retired with the rank of Major in 1973 after completing 30 years in the service of his country. Following his military retirement, Roberts was employed in the aerospace industry, notably working on the development and testing of the futuristic LearFan 2100 turboprop business aircraft. Vaughn retired to Texas in the mid 1990s and later found an early taste of heaven at Aristi Aerodrome in Godley, Texas, where he maintained his personal fleet of sport aircraft. Vaughn Roberts was preceded in death by his brothers, Don Roberts and Gary Roberts, and his eldest son Steven Roberts (Vera). SURVIVORS: He is survived by five of his six children: daughters, Sherry Spears (Ron) of Tahlequah, Okla., and Donna Harrison of Syracuse, Neb.; and sons, David Roberts (Irene) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Robin Lee Roberts of Houston, and Lyle Roberts of Cordova, Tenn.. He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren; eighteen great grand children; a sister-in-law, Betty Roberts of South Carolina; and an aunt, Dorthy Dunhouse of California. Vaughn will be dearly missed by his loving family and many friends. SERVICE: Details of internment at the Dallas-Ft Worth National Cemetery are pending. Date and time information will be made available at Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home.