Delmos Roberts

ROBERTS, DELMOS “DUCK” of Birmingham, Alabama went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May13, 2021, after a second stroke in September, 2020 and a recent occurrence of pneumonia.  He was born in Gadsden, Alabama on November 10, 1922.  At age 7 he moved with his parents, Clifton “Bunt” and Ava “Alver” (Barnes) Roberts to his Grandparents, William Napoleon and Laura Victoria (Hopper) Roberts’ farm in Altoona, Alabama.  He graduated from Altoona High School in 1941, met the love of his life, Helen Harris, then took a job with Western Electric Co. (Div. of AT&T) in Paducah, Ky. Duck and Helen stayed in contact via letters.  Duck rode the train to W. Va. to visit Helen and they became engaged.  They continued to write letters until July, 1942, when they both rode the train to Altoona, Alabama and then to Gadsden, Alabama and got married the third time they ever saw each other. Febuary, 1943, Duck’s country needed him to help fight World War II for our freedom.  Helen traveled with him to Gunnery School and Armament School before returning to W. Va. to wait for him.  May, 1944, Duck and nine fellow crewmen picked up their B17 Flying Fortress and flew to Deophem Green Air Field, England.  From there, he flew 33 bombing missions over Germany’s ammunition plants, fuel depots, tank and plane manufacturing plants, and flew over the beaches at Normandy during the invasion. Duck was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal with Army Loops, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, WWII Lapel Button, AAF Air Crew Member Wings, Gunners Wings and Ruptured Duck (Honorable Discharge) Patch. God had more plans for Duck because he returned home to America, Helen and his family, and Western Electric Co. without suffering any injuries, even though he and his crewmen had several close encounters.  Duck was released to the Army Air Force Reserves February, 1945. He returned to work with Western Electric Co.  Three years later a daughter, Jane Roberts was born.  Twelve years later, another daughter, Angela Roberts was born.  During his time with Western Electric Co. he was promoted to Supervisor and was well like by the people that worked with him and for him.  Through company changes, he was transferred to BellSouth Telephone Company and in 1983, was being transferred to AT&T Telephone Co.  However, after 42 years of service and at age 61, he chose early retirement to spend more time with his Love, Helen and  to get to do more fishing. He had always loved fishing, so after retirement, he, Jane’s husband, and Jane made yearly and semi-yearly bass fishing trips to Florida Rivers to catch Large Bass.  His record catch was a 14 lb. largemouth bass.  Duck was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton “Bunt” and Ava “Alver” (Barnes) Roberts; his Grandparents, William Napoleon and Laura Victoria (Hopper) Roberts; Andy Barnes and Eve “Evie” (Lister) Barnes Standfield; his parents-in-law, Vester and Beulah (Hopper) Harris; one sister-in-law, Betty (Harris) Nutter Alverson; and two brother-in laws, Lloyd Nutter, Sr. and Willard Alverson; and numerous cousins. He is survived by his wife of 78 years 10 months, Helen (Harris) Roberts, two daughters, Jane Roberts (Keith) Thrash and Angela Roberts (Andrew) Trayer; one sister-in-law, Nancy Harris; and one nephew, Lloyd (Susie) Nutter, Jr.; and numerous cousins. Duck loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, loved his family, loved his country, loved his job.  He was a hard worker with principles and taught those ethics to his children. He was a true patriot. He loved Helen as much on his last day as the first day he saw her.  He spoiled her their entire time together and still gave her big kisses on her lips and held her hand every time he visited her.  Also, he had a hug for any loved one or friend he saw. He had great faith and belief in God and Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  He is in Heaven now with God watching over us.  I know God has made him our Angel. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him, but with faith and belief, we will see him again.

Rest Peacefully My Precious Daddy, Your Little Girl, Jane

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Samuel’s Chapel Church, Altoona, Alabama with Rev. Freddy Keener officiating.  An Army Military Service and burial will follow in Samuel’s Chapel Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Samuel’s Chapel Church prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Duck’s name to the Samuel’s Chapel Cemetery Maintenance Fund, 625 Samuel’s Chapel Road, Altoona, Alabama 35952.