Andrew ROBERTS

Andrew J.

Roberts

SHILOH, IL - Andrew J. Roberts, 89, formerly of Virden, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, at The Fountains of Shiloh, Shiloh, Ill.

Andrew "Andy" Roberts was born March 26, 1924, in Kentucky, a son of Andrew and Dora (Hall) Roberts. He married Joan Taylor Roberts, the love of his life, on Nov. 21, 1951, in Greene, Ohio. Andy grew up on a Southwestern Ohio farm. After serving in the U.S. Army during WW II, he attended Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. In addition to holding executive positions with Archer Daniels Midland and Central Soya, Andy was a pioneer of innovative concepts, which resulted in many present day agriculture production practices. While employed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, he conceived of and implemented the Centennial Farm program, which recognizes families who have owned their farms for 100 years, and was instrumental in the Department's aquaculture programs. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Virden, Ill., and the Virden American Legion Post # 386, Virden, Ill.

Andy is survived by a son, Andrew J. Roberts III, of Fla.; three daughters, Darla N. (Robert E.) Warner, of Wilmington, N.C., Nancy J. (fiancé, Tom Magaletta) Roberts, of Delray Beach, Fla., and Jennifer A. (Kurt) Schroeder, of Shiloh, Ill.; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a sister, Louis Mullens, of Hamilton, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Andy in death was his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Joan Taylor Roberts, infant daughter, Dru Ann Roberts, a brother, John Roberts, and a sister, Dorothy Roberts Holcer. He will be sorely missed by his family and by the many people whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until noon, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, at Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home, Virden, Ill., with funeral services at noon at the funeral home. Rev. Sue Sowers will be officiating. Burial will be in Virden Cemetery, Virden, Ill. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Virden, Ill., American Cancer Society or donor's choice. Please visit calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.