Earl "The Duke" W. Roebuck Jr., 55, of Midland, passed away Monday, Sept. 6, 2010, at the MidMichigan Medical Center, after a brave and heroic battle with lung cancer. He was born Jan. 26, 1955, in Midland, son of the late Earl W. and Jessie (Ross) Roebuck Sr. Earl was a chef at the Holiday Inn in Midland for 27 years, had done ice carvings for chef Paulson for Northwood University, where he also taught ice carvings and garnishes for three years. Later he worked as head of maintenance at Bracken Woods Apartments, and was a drywaller/painter for Wrights Painting for 10 years.
On Dec. 23, 1996, Earl married the former Karen Sue Neeb in Midland, and she survives him. Earl loved his family and his pets. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. As a self proclaimed 'trekkie', Earl liked to play video games and enjoyed lighting off rockets with his brother, Gail.
In addition to his wife, Karen, Earl is survived by his children, Jessie (Cletus) Edgar, Earl W. Roebuck III, Patricia (Dan) Andrick, Nicki (Kyle) Stoll, Ryan (Heather) Stoll, Joshua Stoll; brothers and sisters, Mary (Jeff) Garnett, Cindy (Tom) Welch, Janie (Philip) Buffa, Nancy (Roy) Rabadue, Ralph Spangler III, and Gail (Rhonda) Heppner; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews; by special friends, Mr. and Mrs. John Cox, and Mr. Tommy VanMeter; and special uncle, June. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Roebuck.
Funeral services for Earl will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, from the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 W. Wheeler Street. Pastor Jerry Graham of the Eagle Ridge Church of God will officiate. Earl's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ken Michalak and family
September 13, 2010
We are very sorry to hear of your loss, you are all in our prayers, I ask that the Lord comfort you all, and bring you peace in Jesus name,
Amen.
Tim Stoll
September 9, 2010
Karen, Nicki, Ryan, & Josh,
Sorry to hear of Earl's passing. May God give all of you the strength to get thru this difficult time. May Earl's memories bring peace and comfort to you all.

NEVER A 'FAIR WEATHER' FRIEND...
Gale & Ronda Heppner
September 9, 2010
Debbie Cunningham
September 9, 2010
Karen, Jessie and Family: May you find peace in the memories you have. Earl always expressed how much he loved you all! I will always admire him for that and remember him as a great husband, father, chef, and a very giving man with such courage! I will truly miss him and feel blessed that I was able to get to know Earl again these past two years! I know there was a very special place in heaven that was waiting for him! My prayers are with you all and if you need anything, please call!
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tracy Brown
September 8, 2010
Earl was a kind person that was always easy to talk to. I worked with him at the Holiday Inn and The Golden Carousel. I also knew him from Karen and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Amber Cunningham
September 8, 2010
The world may have lost a wonderful person, but may his memories live on through you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
dawn williamson
September 8, 2010
jessie im so sorry for your loss ! my prayers go out to you and your family if you need any thing please let me know
Krystal Herman
September 8, 2010
I will never forget the time Earl walked me down to the corner store :) Or the times he sat at my mom's house and visited. My family and I were blessed to have met him.
September 8, 2010
I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF EARL'S PASSING. MY PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WORKED FOR MY FATHER-IN-LAW AND I KNOW HE WAS LOVED AND RESPECTED BY HIM
OUR CONDOLENCES. TO YOUR FAMILY. THE WRIGHT'S
September 8, 2010
I worked with Earl at the Holiday Inn, what a wonderful person, sure he will be missed by many...god bless to his family! Kathy Fortier (Waskevich)
Kathy Moquin
September 8, 2010
Karen..I remember when Earl would come into the party store with flowers for you. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. I will be praying for you.
Joe Hayes
September 8, 2010
You will be greatly missed by everyone who ever met you Earl. You were a good man, father & friend. My prayers are with your family, love you & will always miss you Duke.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more