Lon Roberts

1928 - 2016

MT. STERLING -Dr. Lon Edward Roberts, 87, of Mt. Sterling, KY, died April 1, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on July 8, 1928, in Elkhorn City, KY, to the late Lon and Elizabeth Roberts, and was also predeceased by brother Gene Roberts. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frances Page Roberts, and son, Edward Roberts (Ellen Goff), daughter, Carol McLaughlin, son, David Roberts (Leigh Robertson), and daughter, Elaine Crockett (John), as well a sister, Elaine Hays, and brother, Gerald Roberts. He enjoyed close relationships with his 11 grandchildren: Elizabeth Roberts (Liz Doherty); Catherine Shteynberg (Garriy); Alex Roberts (Ana Gomez Bridge); Kevin and David Paul McLaughlin; Page Britz (Brad); Mary McEwan (John); Andy Roberts; Sam, Henry and Thomas Crockett; and seven great grandchildren. He graduated from Betsy Lane High School in 1943 and enrolled in Pikeville College for two years. He volunteered for the US Army at age 17. He then attended the University of Virginia graduating in 1950. He enrolled in Medical School at the University of Louisville and received his MD in 1954. After practicing medicine in Wheelwright, KY, he moved to Mt. Sterling where he practiced medicine for 40 years, retiring in 1997. He was proud to have delivered over 2,000 babies during the course of his medical career. At a time when it appeared that the Windsor Care Center Nursing Home might close, he took over management, and eventually purchased and improved the facility. He was a fine businessman, buying and selling over 100 properties during his life, after improving them all. He was involved in many community organizations, as well as the First Presbyterian Church. He had a great love for restoring and collecting antiques, especially antique lighting, and opened Roberts' Antiques in Mt. Sterling. He adored music and played the trombone and baritone horn in school, and sang in numerous barbershop quartets and choirs at UVA, and in Mt. Sterling and Lexington, KY. He is remembered for his deep love of community and of people, who seemed to love him as much as he did them. His love of his family and of his wife, Frances, was the center of his life. A Celebration of Life service will take place Sunday, April 17, at 3pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 125 West Main St., Mt. Sterling, KY, with visitation from 1:30-3pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The First Presbyterian Church, 125 West Main St., Mt. Sterling, KY 40353, or The Gateway Regional Arts Center, PO Box 128, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353. Guestbook at coffmanfuneral.com.