Obituary

L.V. Roberts, Local Merchant, Dies Suddenly

Leslie V. Roberts, 73, prominently known, highly respected and popular long-time Elizabeth merchant, died suddenly at his home on Pike Street about 10 a.m. Sunday, April 23. He had been in somewhat poor health, including a heart ailment, for the past several months, but remained active on a limited basis in the business affairs of the Roberts Store, Elizabeth's oldest general store business, which he had managed for many years.

Born here February 27, 1899, he was the fifth son of the late George W. and Anna M. Thorn Roberts. He was married in 1921 to the former Dorothy Folts. Both had attended West Virginia Wesleyan College at Buckhannon.

The Roberts mercantile business was begun here in 1886 by his father, and he had carried on the business with interim assistance by other family members during World War II years when he worked for the Curtis-Wright Aircraft Corp in Columbus, Ohio. Several years ago, Leslie was joined in partnership management of the store with his son, James H. (Jim) Roberts.

Mr. Roberts had been a member of the Elizabeth United Methodist Church since 1906, was a charter member of the Wirt Chapter 113, Order of the Eastern Star, member of Wirt Lodge No. 82, A.F. & A.M.; Council No. 33, Jr. O.U.A.M. of Palestine; and American Legion Post No. 55, City. He was an Army veteran of World War I. He also held membership in numerous professional organizations.

Survivors, in addition to his widow, include two sons, John V. Roberts of Vienna, and James H. Roberts, City; one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Betty) Bare, of Hinton; two sisters, Hazel V. Roberts of New York City, and Louise Roberts, City; five brothers, George Paul Roberts, of Anna Maria, Fla., and Elizabeth, Ralph T., Roger E., Walter M. and Glen W. Roberts, all of Elizabeth; and six grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Mrs. P.D. Sheppard and one brother, Ray C. Roberts.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Elizabeth United Methodist Church with the Rev. C.T. Phillips and the Rev. Charles Wilkinson officiating. Interment was in the Elizabeth K. of P. Cemetery, with graveside rites being conducted by Wirt Masonic Lodge No. 82. Pomroy Funeral Home, City, was in charge of the arrangements.