William Anthony Roberts

William Anthony "Tony" Roberts passed August 16, 2021 from long-term illness. Born January 2, 1940 in Vernal, UT to David Christian Roberts and Margaret Oaks Roberts, he was the oldest of 8 children growing up on the family farm in Maeser, UT.

Tony is survived by his daughter Sheryl Roberts Slaney, son James "Jim" (Brenda) Roberts, 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandson (his namesake) and another on the way. Also, brothers Corwyn (Patt) Roberts, LeGrande (Jeanine) Roberts, and his sister Rochelle (Neil) Rackham. He has several cousins and lots of nieces and nephews that love their "Uncle Tony."

He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Zola Lavonne Hughes Roberts, his parents David and Margaret Roberts, and brothers Greg, Don, David, and his sister Carol Ann Roberts Smuin Henderson.

Tony loved his family and especially his longtime sweetheart of more than 61 years, Zola Lavonne Hughes Roberts whom he married Valentine's Day 1959 and missed tremendously after her passing. He especially liked chocolate cookies made by his granddaughter. Tony was a skilled welder, passionate reader, followed politics, enjoyed joking and teasing, classic country music, dancing (in younger days), and was known for his great storytelling with a gift for recalling the details.

Tony attended Uintah High School and graduated in 1958. He was a hard worker and very gratified supporting his family. He labored in the oil-field as a Derrick-hand shortly after marriage and later worked as a Milk-man, Police Officer (reserve), leased and operated Debbie's Frosty Treat in Vernal with his wife in the 1960's, and constructed scaffolding. He attended Orange Coast College in CA and became a Master-welder, owned his own business and followed in his father's footsteps. Welding was a passion and he was extremely talented.

A gentle giant, Tony's heart matched his large stature, he was well liked and a very good man. He knew people everywhere he went and his big hugs, stories, advice, and that big laugh will be missed but, most of all...his unconditional love and kindness.

Burial will be conducted in a private ceremony alongside the love of his life Zola Hughes Roberts in the Maeser Cemetery.

However, we are hosting a "Celebration of Life" with an Open House at the Uintah Conference Center, 313 E 200 S, Vernal, Utah, 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 2nd, 2021.

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