Edward H. "Hal" Roberts

Hal Roberts, 81, of Cawker City went home to his Lord and Savior Friday, July 9, 2010. Hal was born February 26, 1929, in Springfield, Missouri, the only son and second child of Lee and Lillie Fair Roberts. This boy wanted to be a pilot, but at 6'6" his height presented a problem so he entered the US Army for a tour of duty in Korea. Upon returning he entered Drury College to study Engineering Prep. Hal transferred to Tulsa University but was recalled to Korea for another tour. He turned down West Point and graduated with honors from Tulsa with a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering. He was crowned King Pat for highest total grade point average and worked while attending school.
Upon graduation he hired into Boeing and spent 34 years doing what he loved. In 1962 he met and married Dottie, Bobby, Lon, and Tim. Hal sold his Corvette and entered Little League, Cub Scouts, and Soccer, but flunked PTA. In 1966, on assignment in Munich, Germany, Viktoria Lynn was born.
He became active in politics when Goldwater lost. Hal has contributed Dottie and a lot of money to many conservative causes.
His accomplishments in his work are numerous. His modernization of the retention hook for landing fighter planes on aircraft carriers is still in use today. The wingbox he developed with Dr. Volker Von Tein for the Panavia Tornado swept wing fighter is in the Deutsche Museum. Upon retirement, he travelled the world as a Designated Structures Engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration for 18 years.
Hal enjoyed his work more than most, and has been a dedicated husband, father, and grandpa, as well as mentoring young people and giving a helping hand to many.
He was known and revered for his unfailing manners, complete integrity, devotion to his family, and quiet dignity.
Survivors include his wife, Dottie, of the home; sons Lonny Taylor of Mt. Hope Kansas and Tim and Kathi Taylor of Lake Tapps, WA, daughter Viki and Fausto Aramendi of Cawker City, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are Stephan and Joshua Taylor, Isaac, Ben, Abe, and Rebecca Taylor, Tim, Kaytie, and Chris Taylor, Olivia, Julian, Noah, and Jonathan Aramendi. Greats are Seirra, Stephan, and Raelyn Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Bobby, and three sisters.
A memorial service and celebration of his life and faith will take place at Glen Elder Christian Church Saturday July 17, at 2:00pm. Interment will take place on Whidbey Island in Washington state at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Family Support of Omaha, NE, Heart Choices of Beloit Ks, and CASA of Concordia, Ks.