Dateline: Brighton, IL
Michael Allen Roberts, 66, of Brighton left his earthly body to be in the arms of Jesus at 2:28 p.m. July 21, 2020 at his home with his wife and children at his side after a 13-month courageous battle with ALS. He was born May 2, 1954 to the late Rosella (Dehner) and Robert Roberts and was the youngest of six children. He graduated in 1972 from Leon High school in Tallahassee, Fl. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on October 29, 1973. He married the love of his life, Betty Hanold on October 16, 1974 in Brighton, IL. They shared 45 years of marriage. Before retirement he worked as an outside lumber salesman for many years. He served the Village of Brighton as Mayor; board member and he was very involved with the park committee. He was past treasurer of the Betsey Ann Picnic Association, was on the Southwestern Booster Club, Brighton Athletic Association and Southwestern Foundation. He served as Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Livingston, IL. He loved his family with all his heart and loved spending time with them. He loved to tell the grandkids stories and enjoyed spending time on family vacations to Saint George Island. He loved the Lord and loved people. He was an avid Illini fan, Cardinal fan and Southwestern Piasa Birds fan. Surviving are one son David Roberts, two daughters, Carrie Moore (Ryan) and Julie Miller (Aaron), five grandchildren, Benjamin Roberts, Adria and Kipton Moore, Lane and Hadley Miller, one sister, Elaine Weaver (Bob), two brothers, Robin Roberts (Carole) and Kevin Roberts (Jill), sister in laws, Carole Roberts, Judy Hunt (Stan), Marcia Bone and Donna Skjerseth, and brother in law Pearley Hanold (Wreatha) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in law, brother and sister in law, Gary and Ody Roberts, brother, Keith Roberts and sister in law, Janet King. Visitation will be Friday, July 24, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church in Brighton, IL where funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Burial will be at Brighton Cemetery. Pastor Stan Hunt will be Officiating. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association or the Village of Brighton Park Fund. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com