Mr. Edgar Arrowsmith Roberts, 85, of New Church, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2024. He was surrounded by his family on his little slice of country paradise that he called home.
Eddie, as he was known by most, grew up in Rahway, N.J., where he met the love of his life, Barbara Roberts. The two were high school sweethearts and got married young while Eddie was serving in the U.S. Air Force.
He was stationed at Pease AFB in Strategic Air Command. His service to this country was something he was very proud of. He was often seen in his Air Force hats and American flag suspenders. The two sweethearts of 65 years had three children together, Laura and her husband, Ray Twiford, of New Church, Susan and her husband, Donnie Shumaker, of Pocomoke City, and Andrew Roberts and his wife, Paula, of Georgetown, Del.
After his time in the service, Eddie worked in Rahway at Merck Pharmaceuticals in security. After 23 years, he finally retired and the two moved to Lake Juliana Landings in Florida to enjoy retirement and everything Florida had to offer. Many trips around the world were taken but none were more special than his family coming to Florida and the memories made in Disney and the surrounding areas.
He spent the sunny days bass fishing on the lake. He was an award-winning wood turner and was often found in his driveway working on his lathe, creating a gift for a loved one to cherish.
In 2018, the couple decided their trip taking and retirement fun was coming to an end and decided to slow things down a bit. They bought a little farm here on the Eastern Shore to be closer to family and to enjoy the little things in life. Eddie loved nature and quickly fell into his farmer role. They had a few chickens, a vegetable garden, apple and fig trees, multiple birdhouses, butterfly bushes, and hummingbird feeders. Eddie’s favorite thing to do was cut grass and he was often found with his big hat on, riding around the yard on his mower, taking in all that nature had to offer around him. He will surely be missed by the loved ones he has left behind.
Along with his three children and their spouses, he is survived by his six grandchildren, Lindsay and her husband, Tucker Alms, Daniel Hedner and his wife, Sarah, Jesse Twiford, Collin Hedner and his wife, Brittany, Robert Stevens, and Sean Stevens; six great-grandchildren, Landon Fuller, Savannah Fuller, Aidan Fuller, Parker Alms, Kaiden Hedner, and Bradley Dabulis; his sisters, Linda and her husband, Bill Baker, of Forest Hill, Md., and Joyce Roberts, of Rahway; along with nieces and nephews and many others who looked up to him along life’s journey.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, D. Edgar Roberts and Vivian Roberts, of Rahway.
There will be no service at his request but a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his two favorite organizations, Tunnels to Towers and St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
To sign the guest book online, visit: www.thorntonfuneralhome.net
