Arthur Hugh Roberts

This is to celebrate the life and legacy of a beloved man of God, Arthur H. Roberts, who walked into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on January 26th, at the age of 88. Born on October 12, 1935, in the warm and welcoming town of Meridian, Arthur's journey began as a beacon of light that would shine brightly for all his days.

Arthur, a man of unwavering faith and boundless love, was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, godfather, brother, and friend. He was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Annie Fisher, on October 11, 1958, and from their union blossomed a family that was his pride and joy. Survivors include his devoted wife of 65 years, Annie of Fort Dodge; his daughter Deborah Roberts of Fort Dodge; his sons Jonathan (Sheila) Roberts Sr. of Fort Dodge, Arthur D. Roberts of Marshalltown, and Rev. Shawn (Ursuala) Roberts of Fort Dodge. His legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren Johmal, Darryl II, Shae, Dwight, Jaquala, Jonathan Jr., Kimmesha, Raymond, Shawn II, and Simeon, and a host of great-grandchildren. Arthur also leaves behind his goddaughter Twyla Hubbard, godsons Kenneth Howard and D.J. Yancy, his twin sister Minnie Lou Nauflett of Maryland, and sister Alice Ruth Sloan of Mississippi, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever cherish his memory.

Arthur was a graduate of Harris High School in 1954, and following his education, he valiantly served his country in the U.S. Army until he received an honorable discharge. He spent his career as a corrections officer at the North Central Corrections Facility in Rockwell City, serving with integrity until his well-earned retirement. But beyond his professional life, Arthur was a man of God, whose passion for the Lord was as deep as the Mississippi River. He was a Deacon and later an ordained Minister at 2nd Baptist Church in Fort Dodge, where he shared not only the Word but also his beautiful tenor voice with the congregation.

Arthur's life was a testament to the words of the Apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7). He was a faith-filled and loving man who tried to pass on his passion for the Lord to his family, whom he loved beyond words. Arthur knew God's word and would minister to anyone he thought he could help. His voice, a heavenly instrument, would uplift and inspire all who had the pleasure to hear him sing praises to our Creator.

Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Gladys (Brookins) Roberts, sister Erma Scott, and brothers Albert, Frank, Lecal, Melvin, Benny, Hebert, and Lorenzo, Arthur now joins them in the Kingdom of Heaven, where joyous reunions are taking place, and the choir of angels has gained a tenor of incomparable spirit and grace.

As we bid farewell to Arthur H. Roberts, let us not sorrow as those without hope, for we know that he has been welcomed into the eternal embrace of our Heavenly Father. Let us honor his memory by living lives filled with the love and faith that he exemplified. May the life he lived and the love he shared continue to be a beacon for all of us, guiding us on our path until we meet again in glory.

Visitation and Celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 2nd, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a Going Home Prayer Service at 7:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Military Rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1856 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard at 4:00 PM at the funeral home. Final resting place will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Des Moines on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.