Harold Delbert Roberts

Pocatello - Harold Delbert Roberts, 84, longtime resident of Pocatello, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2008 at his home following an extended illness.

Born February 16, 1924 in a log cabin in Bennington, Idaho, the son of Delbert and Bertha Wyler Roberts, Harold spent the early years of his life living in outfit cars traveling with the railroad bridge gang. His family moved to Pocatello when he entered school, but returned to Paris, Idaho periodically. When he was in the 6th grade, Harold's family moved to Pocatello, near what was then Franklin Junior High.

Harold's first job was as a newspaper carrier, serving 108 customers for 22 cents per week, followed by setting pins at a bowling alley. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1942, took a National Youth Association mechanist class and worked at Pacific Fruit and Produce. He was drafted in 1943 and served 33 months in the Army Air Force, twenty eight of them overseas in the European theatre. After returning home, he enrolled in trade school at Idaho State, graduating with a technical degree in refrigeration.

He married his next door neighbor, Glenna Eurene Boyes, on August 11, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Harold worked for 47 years in the appliance repair field, 37 of which was for Kat's Home Laundry & Equipment. He was also employed at the Bannock County Nursing home for two years. Due to his reputation as an honest and capable repairman, he received calls for repair service long after his retirement.

Both Harold and Glenna served as volunteers for Head Start and at the Bannock County Museum, but the great joy of Harold's retirement was working in the Bishop's Store House for many years. Harold was a sports enthusiast, was one of the founding members of the Highland Ram Rodders and was a long time member of a championship bowling team. He attended high school and university track meets, football and basketball games until his health prevented him from doing so. He enjoyed hooking rugs for his home and those of family members, along with wall hangings for ISU and the high schools in Pocatello. His family knew he had arrived home from work by his beautiful whistling. He also had a wonderful singing voice.

Harold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Glenna, children Harold Michael (DeDee) Roberts of Sheridan, WY, Renee Roberts-Baker of Rock Springs, WY, Roxanne (Douglas) Dibb of St. George, UT, Denise (David) Johnsen of Kaysville, UT, Diane (Larry) Knight of Orem, UT and Nancy Roberts of Logan, Utah, sister Norene (David) Wray of West Bountiful, UT, 20 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Alameda L.D.S. Third Ward Chapel (corner of Jefferson and E. Walnut) with Bishop Douglas Alley, officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. and Saturday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites performed by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Bannock County Historical Museum, 3000 Alvord Loop, Pocatello. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.