Claude Monroe Roberts, age 81, of Hillsboro, KY, loving husband of Barbara McDonald Roberts, and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and honorable veteran passed away on Sunday Dec. 10th, 2023, at Lexington VA Medical Center, after a battle with cancer.

Claude was born March 1, 1942 to Elmo Ree Roberts and Beulah Iola Fogleman Roberts in Plummers Mill, KY.  He was the oldest of 9 siblings.

He attended school in Fleming County and entered the U.S. Navy in 1959, stationed in Pensacola, FL and internationally in Naples Italy. Returning stateside he was stationed in Millington, TN and finally Portsmouth, VA upon honorable discharge.

He met and married his spouse of 61 years, Barbara McDonald Roberts in May of 1962, while on leave in Memphis, TN.  They married November 16, 1962.

They had 3 sons; Gary Don Roberts born in 1963, Ronald Roy Roberts in 1969, and Anthony Ree Roberts born in 1971.

Claude and family lived in Memphis, TN., and Ripley, MS., before returning to KY in 1971 for Claude to attend college at Morehead State University.  At Morehead State University he earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees.

Claude also attended the Doctoral program at University of Kentucky.

In his professional life Claude was a Naval Officer for NATO Headquarters base in Naples Italy, Disc Jockey in both Memphis, TN and Ripley, MS. He was the Manager and DJ for WJRL in Calhoun City, MS.  When he returned to Kentucky, and while attending Morehead State University, he worked as a DJ for WMSU, the campus radio station.

After graduation Claude and family lived in Orangeburg, KY and owned and operated C. M. Roberts Communication and Electronics in Maysville, KY.  He also taught the evening Electricity program at Maysville Area Vocational School for 10 years, before transferring to Northern KY Vocational Tech, as an instructor in the  Electricity and Computer programs, and  where he was also the evening Principal.

After retiring from education he was a HUD Inspector for Fleming Homes (mobile home factory) and a Part-time Engineer and Commercial Producer for WFLE in Flemingsburg, KY.

Claude and family moved to Hillsboro KY in 1977 where they owned and operated a 200 acre Dairy and Tobacco farm, that he dearly loved and enjoyed, and where he resided until his passing.

Claude had many hobbies that he loved and enjoyed; playing music, raising, training and hunting registered coon hounds, longrifle competitions, and especially motorcycles, both trail and road bikes.  He had motorcycles all his life and loved to accessorize and ride his Harley-Davidson on both short and long road trips and motorcycle events.

Claude was preceded in death by his granddaughter Randee Renee Roberts, father Elmo, mother Beulah, and brother Joseph.

He is survived by his loving spouse Barbara McDonald Roberts and his family:

Sons:

Gary Roberts (spouse Elicia)

Ron Roberts (spouse Sebrenna)

Anthony Roberts (spouse Greg Whitaker)

Grandkids:

Vanessa Roberts Caswell (spouse Cody)

Jesse Roberts (spouse Megan)

Zane Roberts

Great Grandkids:

Sawyer, Spencer and Syrus Caswell

Weston, Baker and Millie Roberts

Sisters and Brothers:

Jimmy Roberts

Patricia Roberts Stacy

Kenneth Roberts

Wilma Roberts Clary

Larry Roberts

Brenda Roberts Hilterbrand

Elmo 'Nicky' Roberts

As well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

All loved and will miss him dearly and wish him rest and peace.

The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home with Dale Clary officiating.

Visitation will be noon/12 p.m., until the hour of service, Wednesday, at Boone Nickell located at 150 West Water Street, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041.

At family request, in lieu of flowers please make donations in his honor to American Cancer Society (online: donate.cancer.org)

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com