Ronald Ray Roberts, 72, of rural Galesburg, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2022.
Ron was born May 20, 1950 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Raymond J. and Marcile F. (Healey) Roberts. After graduating from Galesburg High School, Ron was inducted into the US Army on September 28, 1970. He earned a purple heart from injuries he sustained during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on February 16, 1972.
Ron worked as a foreman in the paint shop at Maytag for several years until he opened Ron’s Army Surplus Store in Galesburg. He went on to own the 7th Ward Tap, Player’s Club, Shooter’s, and Danny’s Tap in Monmouth, Illinois. He last owned and operated Cactus Country in Galesburg until he retired in 2017.
Ron is survived by his twin daughters, Amy Roberts of Monmouth, Illinois and Jody Roberts of Cameron, Illinois; five grandchildren, Haley, Caleb, Rodney, Navaya, and Matthew; and two great grandchildren, Zayden and Aniyah. Ron is also survived by one sister, Marilyn (Ray) Ellison of Galesburg; one brother, Randy (Theresa) Roberts of Mooresville, North Carolina; three nieces, Teresa Ellison, Whitney Roberts, and Kelli McDorman; two nephews, Mark Probst and Dylan Roberts; along with many friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill; two sisters, Marlene and Carolyn; two nephews, Scott Roberts and Jeff Roberts; and one niece, Mona.
Cremation will be accorded. Graveside services with military honors conducted by the Knox County Honor Guard will be 1 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Chaplain Travis Randolph will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ron’s memory to KCCDD, 2015 Windish Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
