Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Judge Lt. Col. Ret Evan S. Roberts
1965 - 2017
Judge Lt. Col. Ret Evan S. Roberts
1965 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
Evan Roberts Obituary
September 11, 1965 - November 11, 2017
NAPPANEE - 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, 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Blessing
July 15, 2025
Evan. 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
John Maciejczyk
November 7, 2024
Still miss you Evan!
Crystal Morrow
November 20, 2017
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
Omar Hershberger
November 16, 2017
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!
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
November 16, 2017
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 . I sincerely doubt I will see a man of his caliber again . God Bless Him
John Maciejczyk
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
Shawn Johnson
November 16, 2017
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!
Jessica Hartnett
November 15, 2017
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 those of us here on earth. God bless you and your family. Many prayers and good thoughts to you all during this difficult time.
Elyse (Blumberg). Sacco
November 15, 2017
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.
Dirk and Rhonda Hammond
November 15, 2017
Dear Susan, girls and family.
What a journey you have all been through. Our hearts are hurting for you all. We are praying for peace in your hearts and minds.
Thinking of you all.
Love,
Dirk and Rhonda Hammond
Tina Keim
November 14, 2017
We were diagnosed with cancer close to the same time. His was a different type, but we had some long conversations about chemo and other cancer related things. He was always positive when talking about it, no matter how badly he felt. His attitude was a great inspiration to me. He was a true fighter, and I look forward to seeing him again someday. Very proud to have know him.
Marvin Lopata
November 14, 2017
I only knew you through Court cases.
Sincere Condolences to Judge's family
Greg Jensen
November 14, 2017
I had the privilege of serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserve with LtCol Roberts. I remember my first conversation with him, he was incredibly caring and helpful. I remember how much he enjoyed speaking about taking his family to Newport, RI and encouraging me to do the same. He will be missed. God Bless my friend. Semper Fi, Greg Jensen
Kenneth Heckathorn
November 14, 2017
Judge Roberts was a great help to me & others in our community , We wonder why a great man is gone so soon only God knows. A help to many of Veterans in our area. May god grant you peace and understanding in your time of loss.
Eric Kleis
November 14, 2017
A great Marine and even better person. One of the first Marines I had the pleasure of serving with. Teacher, mentor, leader, taught me skills I still use today. It is my privilege to have called him a friend. Thoughts and prayers with the family. Semper Fi and Rest In Peace Evan.
Tom Fricton
November 14, 2017
LtCol Roberts will be greatly missed in all of the communities that had the privilege of his presence. He will be fondly remembered.
Very Respectfully,
Capt Tom Fricton
Colonel Bill Pigott, USMC
November 14, 2017
May the good Lord bless Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. Evan S. Roberts, USMC (Ret) during this time of sorrow.
All of us at the U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate Division in the Pentagon want you to know that Evan was a great man, an extremely loyal, squared away U.S. Marine and a smart, uniquely talented Judge Advocate.
He will be missed and long remembered by many of us.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Evan.
November 14, 2017
Judge Roberts brought to the bench everything that makes a jurist great: a brilliant legal mind, fairness, hard work, integrity, respect for all, and astute exercise of his authority. It was a pleasure and a privilege to practice before him. His judicial excellence will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Semper Fi, Your Honor.
--Dave Cloutier, Gina Paschke, Amanda Herr
Cloutier Law Offices, P.C.
South Bend, IN
Leading by example - feeding his Marines
Dan Baker
November 14, 2017
Sir - your were the epitome of a Marine Officer. Love of God, Love of Country, and Love of Corps are the basics but you instilled in me and many others, Love of Family. Your Marines are your family.
Thank you for your service to our country as a both a warrior and judge. Rest In Peace.
LtCol Dan Baker, USMC, Ret.
November 14, 2017
I am so sorry for your great loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" (Isaiah 61:1, 2) sustain your family during this challenging time. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Karen Rieff Tirotta
November 14, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am a probation officer with Elkhart County and have worked with Judge Roberts for many years. He was a great man who exemplified integrity and good character. He will be greatly missed by those of us who had the pleasure of working for him. Unfortunately I am unable to attend his service as my daughter is having surgery Thursday but I will be there in spirit. Know that I am praying for your family to have strength during this difficult time.
Dave(Gunnery Sgt) Morales
November 14, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Roberts family on behalf of a number of Marines that were under his command, including myself. He was the BEST boss I ever had the pleasure to work for in the Marines and civilian world alike. He cared about everyone and their families. A great leader and an asset to this world and the Corp, where he made a difference in peoples lives. He truly will be missed, I am proud to have known and worked for him. God Bless You Sir and your family, May You Rest In Peace now. Semper Fi
Michael Blessing
November 14, 2017
Susan, Zoe, and Elle, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Evan was a great man, a brave man. I've had the honor and privilege of calling Evan my friend for 25 years. We served together in the Marine Corps. He was a great friend, father, husband, lawyer and officer. I'm a better person for having known Evan. You three meant the world to him. God bless you all. Michael Blessing
sheil klockow
November 14, 2017
I had the pleasure of working with Evan years ago in South Bend. He was a great guy who adored his wife. I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. You will truly be missed.
Adam Subervi
November 14, 2017
Very saddened to hear about Evans passing. He was a good friend, fellow Marine and dedicated public servant. Over the last 7 years or so, Evan and I would periodically grab dinner with a group of officers and catch up while executing military orders in various parts of the country. Evan never failed to regale us with tales of the Indiana courts. His friendship and wisdom will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Semper Fidelis Brother. Rest In Peace.
LtCol Adam N. Subervi, USMC
November 14, 2017
Susan, Zoe and Elle,
Above all Evan had accomplished we know he cherished his family the most. We pray that you will find peace in God's loving arms.
Sincerely,
Pam and Phil
Anita Ward
November 14, 2017
Susan, Zoe, and Elle,
It was quite obvious that you three meant the world to him- what a great husband and dad! He was always so kind and helpful. I'm glad to call him a friend, and will never forget the nickname he gave to me. Bless his soul. Love and God's strength to you all. You are not alone. We lift you up now and in the days to come.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
950 North Main Street, Nappanee, IN 46550
Make a Donation
in Evan Roberts's name
How to support Evan's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor Evan Roberts's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
