Cletus George Roberts
In Loving Memory of Cletus George Roberts
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and proud veteran, Cletus George Roberts, who left us on Saturday, June 14th at the age of 77 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on December 4, 1947, in Damar, Kansas, to Eugene Wilbur and Jeanette Laura (Berland) Roberts. Cletus—affectionately known as Clet, Papa Bear, Pete, or Skeeter—was a man of deep wisdom, enduring humor, and a heart full of love. Even through his illness, he never lost his sense of humor and continued to bring joy to those around him.
Cletus found his greatest joy in spending time with his family, who were the center of his world. A devoted and hardworking man, he spent many years with TEBO Implement in Hill City, KS. Later, he took to the road as an over-the-road truck driver for Excel Trucking Company, Farmland Foods, and Sem Crude Oil Hauling. Retirement didn’t slow him down. After moving to Seneca, Missouri, in 2015, Cletus began working as a school bus driver for Joplin Transportation, where he transported English as a Second Language (ESL) and special needs students. He found a renewed sense of purpose and deep joy in this role, forming meaningful connections with the children he safely delivered to and from school each day.
A proud patriot, Cletus served his country with honor as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1973. His military service took him to Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea, and he often shared cherished stories of his time abroad—especially his memories of the food and the camaraderie.
Cletus’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his wife, Wanda, his children: Jason Roberts (Wendy), Brent Roberts (Angie), Tracey Shane Roberts (Kelly), Melanie Fyfe (Kevin), and stepson Joshua Brooks. He was a proud grandfather to Sienna and Reid Roberts, and Taylor and Stetson Roberts. He is also survived by his siblings: Betty Hamel, Jeanine Noah (Kent), Cynthia Kadavy (Dave), Judy Bomgardner (Steve), Teri Haulman (Ron), Rick Roberts (Julie), and Randy Roberts (Cindy), as well as a large extended family who loved him dearly.
Preceding him in peace were his parents, Eugene and Jeanette, and siblings: Marvin, Donnie, Dwight (PeeWee), Gayle, Donna Roberts, and Myrna Martell.
A service to honor Cletus’s life will be held at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney, KS: (403 South 13th Street WaKeeney, Ks 67672) at 10:30 am on Friday, July 11, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at the Catholic Parish CCD Center in Hill City, KS following the service.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Veterans’ Honor Flight at: https://www.honorflight.org/donate/
Tribute Type: In Honor or In Memory of
Tribute Name: Cletus G. Roberts
He will be remembered always for his laughter, strength, love of country, and the profound way he touched the lives of those around him.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory of Joplin, MO
