Donald Ray Roberts

Donald Ray Roberts (known by his friends simply as Duck) passed away June 11th at his home in Sarasota, Florida after an extended illness, at the age of 68. Donnie was born and raised in Owingsville, Kentucky where he spent most of his life. He was the owner/operator of DJ's Buster Burger with his wife Jan, and Roberts Surveying Inc. He spent his later years working in Northern Virginia for Phillips Construction as a surveyor and drone pilot. Those that met Donnie knew him as a kind and humble man that loved listening to Merle Haggard and Kentucky basketball... although he could never fully embrace Coach Cal and the one and done era! Donnie spent his retirement years on the Gulf Coast of Florida soaking in the sun with his two partners in crime, his grandchildren, Chase and Lilly. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janette Skeen Roberts; daughter, Amber Shankland; son-in-law Joey Shankland; grandchildren Chase Joseph and Lilly Maxwell Shankland - all of Sarasota, Florida. He is also survived by a brother, Kenny Roberts (Anita) of Mt Sterling, Kentucky and a sister, Paula Kelly (Clarence) of Fairborn, Ohio; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Bud and Jeannie Roberts, brothers Mike and Sammy Roberts, and a sister Ruthie Fields. Donnie's final request was that his body be donated to the United Tissue Network research department in hopes that it may one day help someone else battling prostate cancer. The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date but ask that in honor of Donnie you spend time with the ones you hold dear, and as always, cheer on the CATS every fall.