Norman J. Roberts

Norman J. Roberts, age 87, of Springfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully early Sunday, December 01, 2019, surrounded by his family. Norman enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, gardening, and horse racing. He retired from International Harvester with 32 years of service as a computer programmer. Above all was his love of family, especially his loving wife, Barbara of 69 years. He was a very engaged and loving father/grandfather to their seven children, eleven grandchildren, and soon to be nine great-grandchildren, and caring for their many beloved cats was a daily routine that he enjoyed. Norman was an interactive dad who liked to engage in sports with his kids - tennis, baseball, chase, wrestling, fishing and swimming. He encouraged them to always do their best and not settle for less. He modeled compassion for those less fortunate, often taking care of people in the neighborhood who needed help. He loved engaging in debates with people on various topics to challenge them to consider hard topics, but also to learn others' perspectives. He was an avid reader and learner. Norman was preceded in death by his parents John and Nettie Roberts, brothers David and Donald Roberts. He is survived by wife, Barbara; children, Diana (Martin) Fitch, Denise (Michael) Pottmeyer, Douglas Roberts, Nita (Ernie) Patterson, Aaron (Sheila) Roberts, Brian (Jill) Roberts, and Oliver (Lorena) Roberts; grandchildren, Heather, Allison, Matthew, Tyler, Addie, Adam, Kari, Lauren, Megan, McKenzie and Noah; greatgrandchildren, Emily, Aubrey, Ben, Jonah, Lily, Kevin, Maddex and Mara and a host of other family and friends that Norman cherished. Family reunions were special times for him. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7pm in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. Services to honor Norman will be Friday at 1:00PM in the Memorial Home. Burial to follow in Ferncliff Cemetery. Memorial contributions are requested to the Clark County SPCA 21 Walter St Springfield, Ohio 45506. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.