James Leonard Roberts

Leonard Roberts

Austin, Utah

Our beloved daddy, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend, James Leonard Roberts, age 99, of Austin passed away August 29, 2019 in Sandy, Utah. He was born May 8, 1920 in Joseph, Utah to James Abel and Caroline Conder Roberts. He was one of eleven children. He married Idonna Arline Lorensen in Mesa Arizona on Feb 9, 1939. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. She preceded him in death on February 13, 2005 after 66 years of marriage.

Leonard learned to work hard at an early age and carried that philosophy throughout his life. He was known for never slowing down. In fact if you came to visit him, he would always ask if you had a spare minute and would put you to work.

He loved farming and the outdoors and took great pride in an honest day’s work. He always stressed education to his children and grandchildren. Dad had a lot of sayings that we all grew to love and treasure.

He served in the Army during World War II in the Philippines.

At 78 Dad decided he might be a little old for farming, and needed a new career. So he built storage units on his property and was known to put a red lock on a unit so people would come to visit him. People were drawn to him and quickly grew to love and respect his wit and wisdom.

Being a farmer all of his life is one reason that at 98 he was still seen on his tractor keeping the yard clean. The word retirement never entered his mind. In fact he was always planning his next project.

He is survived by his children: Larry (Myrna) Roberts, Washburnville; Leanna (Tom) Fisher, Ammon; Kay (Terry) Kenyon, Sandy; Raylene (Larry) Casper, Sandy; Stan Roberts, Sandy; Judy (Craig) Brammer, Ammon; 21 grandchildren, 46 great- grandchildren; and a brother, LaVar (Varona) Roberts, Murray.

He also was preceded in death by parents; daughter, LaVee Rae Roberts; brothers: Bert, Fay, Rulon, Evan; and sisters: Elva, Ileen, Idonna, Nola, Jenny.

A special thank you from our family to all those who helped care for Dad the last few years of his life.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Central Valley 2nd Ward, 65 North Main. Friends may call at the prior to services on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Monroe City Cemetery with military honors. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com