Johnny Roberson

(From Parker Mortuary)

John H. 'Johnny' Roberson, age 73, Joplin, passed away Friday, October 9, 2020 at Freeman Hospital after a short illness.

Johnny was born April 11, 1947 in Robersonville, North Carolina to the late Harvey Lewis Roberson and Hattie Ross Roberson.

Johnny graduated from Robersonville High School in 1965 and played basketball at East Carolina University in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Vietnam from 1970-1974. Johnny moved to the Joplin area in 1976, where he finished his degree in business/marketing from Missouri Southern State University. 

Johnny worked in management at Fred's Frozen Foods, Carthage, for 17 years. He also worked for a time in software sales at U.S. Telecom and as an insurance agent for Western Southern Life Insurance for several years. Following retirement, Johnny worked for the Joplin School District as a substitute teacher. It was at that time that he joined the staff at Parker Mortuary, a position that he held to present day.

To say Johnny was a people person would be an understatement. For over 50 years, Johnny has been involved with youth sports in some way or another. He was known as 'Papa John' to his students at Joplin schools and the kids at First Baptist Church and coached little league at Sunny Jim and Gabby Street Park for several years. Johnny was a longtime official with the Joplin Football and Basketball Officials Association. He helped run the clock at sporting events at Missouri Southern State University and could be found training new and upcoming officials for the Missouri State High School Athletics Association.

Johnny was a man of God. He was a long-time member at First Baptist Church, where he served in many different capacities. He had a heart of gold and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Johnny married Patsy Perkins on December 22, 1968 in Robersonville, North Carolina. She preceded him in death on July 9, 2013.

Survivors include a son, Ashley Roberson and wife, Angela, Joplin; grandson, Taylor Roberson; three granddaughters, Katelynn Roberson, Caroline Roberson, Kennedy Roberson; three brothers, Tommy Roberson and wife, Addie, Melbourne, Florida, Lewis Roberson and wife, Coleen, Ponte Vera, Florida, James Roberson and wife, Kathy, Burlington, North Carolina; and one sister, Caroline McLeod and husband, Brooks, Boone, North Carolina.

Services are planned for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Jamie Tickel and Bud Clapp will officiate. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in care of the mortuary.

For those attending visitation and services, masks will be required and social distancing measures will be implemented.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.