Donald Roberts Obituary

Donald Ray Roberts, age 91, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025. He was born on November 21, 1933, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Stone and Della Roberts.
Don grew up in the Wyman community and attended both the Wyman and Fayetteville public schools, graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1952. In June 1953, at age 19, he married the love of his life, Carol Jean Hendrickson, then 16. Their first son, Stephen Don Roberts, was born prematurely in early 1954 and passed away after two days.
Don was drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1954 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He served overseas in Berlin, Germany, for sixteen months, where Carol joined him for a year. After his active duty ended, they returned to Arkansas in June 1956. Later that year, their son Thomas Stephen "Steve" Roberts was born.
In 1958, Don enrolled at the University of Arkansas, balancing full-time and part-time work while pursuing his education. Over the next six years, he supported his family by driving dump trucks and bulldozers for Washington County, working for Ozark Rural Electric, Campbell 66 Express, McCord Wholesale Grocery, Fayetteville Public Schools, and Crouch Cattle Co. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves, attending weekend drills and summer training camps.
Don graduated in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Transportation. He began his career as a sales representative with Frisco Transportation Co. and later became an independent contractor under Roberts Cartage, where he was known for his exceptional skill behind the wheel-backing semi-trailers at 90-degree angles into tight docks and expertly handling 18-speed split-gear transmissions.
Two more sons followed: Timothy Harold "Tim" Roberts in 1966, and Nathaniel Corwin "Cory" Roberts in 1969. After Frisco ceased operations around 1980, Don worked for Mitchell Oil Co. until retiring in 2005 at age 72.
A devoted Christian, Don was a founding member of the Old Wire Road church of Christ, where he worshiped for over 55 years. He loved traveling with his family to Colorado, Alabama, and North Carolina. At home, he enjoyed fishing, squirrel hunting, and riding his motorcycle. In earlier years, he spent time water skiing and attending local stock car races. Raised on a farm, Don carried his love for that lifestyle into adulthood, maintaining a large vegetable garden, raising cattle and even a horse.
Don's beloved wife Carol passed away in 1992 after 39 years of marriage. He lived the next 33 years with grace and quiet strength. In his later years, Don found great joy in the daily gatherings with neighborhood friends-men who shared stories, opinions, and good-natured debates in his front yard. Their camaraderie became a cherished routine to passers-by, and Don relished the connection it brought.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his infant son, Stephen Don; his parents, Stone and Della; his three sisters, Bonnie Drake (Virgil), Anna Lea Porter (Stewart), and Marjorie Duncan (Elton); and his brother-in-law Charlie Payne.
He is survived by his sister, Saundra Payne; sons Steve (Anita), Tim (Leslie), and Cory (Keri); ten grandchildren-Adrienne, Lauren, Brittney, Devon, Tyler, Anna Claire, Collin, Channing, Wyatt, and Ryder-and six great-grandchildren: Ava, Esme, Thatcher, Margot, Orson, and Jude.
Don Roberts will be remembered as a hardworking, humble, and faithful man whose life was rooted in God, family and service.
Visitation will be 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Thursday July 3, 2025 at Old Wire Road Church of Christ in Fayetteville. Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Thursday following the visitation under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. Private Burial will take place at Hester Cemetery in Fayetteville.