Thomas H. Roberts

Thomas H. Roberts, 94
Thomas H. Roberts died on January 30, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Patricia B. Roberts of Dover and Felton, DE. Father of Thomas Douglas (Ann) Roberts and Jean L. R. (Dan) Herholdt. Grandfather of Thomas W. (Sonja) Roberts, Amy H. R. (Mark) Donahue, MaryAnn E. Roberts, Michael D. (Rebeca) Roberts, Benjamin Herholdt, Cassie Herholdt, John Herholdt, Samuel Herholdt, Gloria Herholdt and 9 great grandchildren. Dear friend to many.
Tom, born June 13, 1928 and raised in New Monmouth, NJ was the oldest of three sons to the late Thomas S. Roberts and Helen Conover Roberts. He attended Middletown Township High School and went to Bucknell University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1949 and then a master's degree in chemistry in 1951. There he met Pat and they were married in 1953. They moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas where Tom served the Army in the Chemical Corps. In 1954 they moved to Dover, DE where Tom took a job as a chemist for International Latex (later bought by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc.).
Tom was a kind, involved and supportive father to Doug and Jean. Tom coached little league baseball for 9 years in Camden. Tom and Pat joined First Baptist Church in 1954. Tom served many roles as teacher, committee member and moderator over the years. In 1999 he served as President of the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware. He continued to serve the group of churches as a founding participant of Kingdom Builders that aided churches that had construction needs in the region. In 2008, Tom was recognized as Layman of the Year among American Baptist Men. From 1980-2018, Tom went to prison on Monday nights, with a program called Yokefellows, to lead Bible Studies with inmates. Back in 1957, Tom joined Gideons International and benefited from their encouragement in faith. Tom and Pat attended yearly Gideon conventions to support the work of Bible distribution worldwide. Over the 62 years he served in many roles including coordinating speakers with churches to spread the word about Bible distribution. He would say that participation with his church and meeting men weekly for morning prayer breakfasts were foundational for his faith in Jesus and gave him strength for his endeavors. In 1995 Tom and Pat moved to Felton to overlook Coursey Pond and enjoy the water view. He would regularly be seen shooting the basketball in his driveway. Tom and Pat moved to the Milford Place Assisted Living in Dec 2020 and then in July 2022 to the Country Rest Home in Greenwood. The family is grateful for the caregivers they've had over the last several years.
Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing 10am-12pm and then followed by the Memorial Service at 12pm, both on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Dover at 301 Walker Rd., Dover, Delaware 19904. A graveside service will be at 10am Wednesday, February 8, 2023 in the chapel at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriot Way, Millsboro, Delaware, 19966.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Baptist Church, Dover DE or to the Gideons International.
Condolences may be sent via: www.pippinfuneralhome.com.