Jewel “Bob” Roberts, age 99, of Fremont, Ohio and formerly Adrian, passed away late Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at his residence. Bob was born in Louisville, Mississippi on August 12, 1926, to the late Eli Ernest and Betty Lou (Ellis) Roberts. After graduating from high school, he faithfully served his country as a paratrooper in the United States Army. On November 1, 1953, Bob married Mary Virginia Abner in Upstate New York, and she preceded him in death on October 5, 2013.
After moving from New York to Michigan, Bob settled on a small seasonal farm where he raised chickens, pigs, cows, and grew Christmas trees, pumpkins, and flowers. Bob was a longtime member of the Moose and the American Legion. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, baking—especially cookies and banana pudding—traveling, trying his luck at the casino, and spending time with family. Known for his quick wit and ability to fix or build just about anything, including furniture, Bob was a beloved jokester whose presence brought joy to many.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Joanne (Lynn) Mathis, Mariann (Gary) Mathis, and Suzann (John) Mignone; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane (Jeff) Skippers; sister, Lorraine “Helen”; brothers, Ott, Eugene, Aaron, Eron, and Eli Jr. Roberts; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation for Bob will be held at the Andreson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 am, also at the funeral home. Pastor Darren Lemmon will officiate, and interment will follow in Hunt Cemetery.
Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.marryfh.com. Memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be given to the Ohio branch of the American Lung Association. The Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian is assisting the family with arrangements.