Willie McRoberts, age 87, Muses Mills, passed away Monday morning at his residence. Mr. McRoberts was a farmer and a trucker and a veteran of WWII serving in the US Army Air Corps. He was born in Sebetha, Kansas December 16, 1920. His parents were the late William and Martha McRoberts. He was the widower of Helen Frances Goodwin McRoberts who passed away June 1, 2005.
He served in World War II with the Army Air Force with the 13th Airborne division. He was one of six brothers that served for the United States during World War II. All six brothers returned home. He was a Military Police Officer in Amarillo, Texas and then serviced the South Pacific Theater in the Marshall Islands, Morti, New Guinea, Beack, Philippines and Guam. He was wounded in action three times and continued to serve his country. He was a very distinguished and honored hero from World War II. He received three Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, two Soldiers of Heroism Medals, the Asiatic Pacific Victory Medal, the Asiatic Campaign Medal, and the Victory of Japan Medal. He also received distinguished honors in marksmanship, receiving Distinguished and Proficient awards in machine gun, carbine, pistol, grenade and bayonet. He was awarded the Combat Action Merit Award and was also awarded the World War II Honorable Discharge Medal.
He received awards from the American Legion for his honors and service to the United States. In 1999 he was awarded the Honorable Kentucky Colonel Award by Governor Patton.
Survivors include one son, Jack (Teresa) McRoberts, Muses Mills; one granddaughter, Carla (Wes) Prather, Muses Mills; one great grandchild, Madison Prather, Muses Mills; and one brother, Willis McRoberts, Elizaville.
In addition to his wife, Mr. McRoberts was predeceased by a daughter, Marlynn McRoberts; two sisters, Flora Parker and Tiny Berry; and brothers, Stanley, Ira, Murdock, Marvin, and Cleo McRoberts.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Muses Mills Christian Church with Rev. Tom Redmon and Brother Charlie Hamm officiating. Burial in the Muses Mills Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion and VFW Posts of Flemingsburg. Visitation at Boone-Nickell Funeral Home after 6 p.m. tonight.