Dave Roberts

(From Knell Mortuary)

Walter David “Dave” Roberts, 89, Webb City, MO, passed away on October 15, 2022, at the Medicalodges in Neosho.

Mr. Roberts was born on November 27, 1934, in Carthage, MO, to Harry and Norine (Pilant) Roberts. He attended Carthage High School and graduated in 1952. He attended the University of Missouri for two years and then moved to Long Beach, CA, and became an Ocean Lifeguard. He also had U.S. Navy Firefighter training and worked with the Harbor Police and had 200 rescues.

David was an Army Veteran and served in Korea from 1956-1958. While in the Army, he was a swimming coach and led his team to many victories, including the Pacific 100 Meter Swim. David loved the ocean and was still swimming at age 86.

While in California, David continued taking college classes and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Classical Literature in 1963.

David enjoyed traveling. One of the highlights was his trip to Africa. He worked his way over on a freighter and hitchhiked his way through Africa. People would stop and pick him up and invite him for supper and to spend the night. He met many interesting people and learned a lot about the culture. He met a fellow hiker, and they climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro together.

David was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Roberts and his parents.

He is survived by his children, Dawn McCallum, Webb City, and Brett Burke, Phoenix, AZ; granddaughters, Lauren McCallum, Joplin, MO, and Rachel McCallum, Carthage, MO; grandsons, Brandon and Kyle Burke, Phoenix, AZ. Also surviving is a sister, Connie Kuchta, Deepwater, MO, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on November 13, 2022, at 1 PM in Park Cemetery, Carthage.