Clifford James “Sonny” Roberts, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024, at his home with his family at his side. He was born December 2, 1941, to Clifford James Roberts, Sr. and Helen Jewell (Turner) Roberts in Willow Springs. He was 82 years old.
Sonny grew up in the Dry Creek Community and attended school at Dry Creek. Later, he attended Willow Springs High School and graduated with the Class of 1959. In June 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country as Petty Officer 3rd Class aboard the LST-1174 Grant and received an honorable discharge in 1962. He was married to Beverly Sue Thompson on February 21, 1965, in Gainesville, MO. To this union, 3 children were born: Kelly, Andy, and Matt. Sonny started his career with the United States Postal Service in Willow Springs and served there for 22 years, before advancing to Postmaster and then was employed in that position in Highlandville, Sparta, and Pomona, MO. When he wasn’t working at the Post Office, his “hobby” was also working; cattle farming, real estate, building or remodeling houses. In his younger years, he enjoyed deer hunting. He always proved to be a good neighbor, helping with mowing, raking leaves or wherever he saw a need. He was very active in the American Legion Post #384 for many years. He faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Willow Springs and loved to visit with his many friends there. He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen; his wife, Beverly; his sisters: Carolyn (Kenny) Boone, and Judy Roberts Stolba, and niece, Susan Zorsch.
Sonny is survived by his daughter, Kelly Roberts of Springfield, MO; his sons: Andy (Mary) Roberts of Willow Springs, and Matt Roberts of Mountain Home, AR. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Lindsey Rowland, Katy Benton, Cecily Myer, Emma Roberts, Elijah Roberts, Cade Roberts, and Ashtin Grogan; 6 great-grandchildren: Barrett, Brody, Maddux, Harper, Sadie, Violet, and a great-grandson due in December 2024; his nieces and nephews: Jim Boone, Rob Boone, David Boone, Kristi Boone-Grill, Stuart Thompson, and Nick Zorsch. Further survivors include his brother-in-law Kenny (Judy) Thompson and Gary Stolba.
In lieu of flowers, the family would respectfully request donations in his memory to the American Legion Post #384 or Dry Creek Cemetery Fund.
A visitation will be held Monday, July 29, 2024, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC with a graveside service at Dry Creek Cemetery on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. with full military honors, with Pastor Joel Hinds officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
