Bob was born in Salem, Ohio on August 2, 1952 to Robert E. and Marilyn Roberts. He graduated from Salem High School in 1970, then went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in political science from Wittenberg University in 1974 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati in 1977.

Bob dedicated a large portion of his life to the practice of law and the administration of justice. After admission to the bar in 1977, he served terms as both an assistant prosecutor and an assistant public defender in Columbiana County while maintaining a private law practice as a partner in the firm of Yeagley, Roberts and Kirkland. He was elected to the seat of County Court Judge in 1988, a position in which he would serve for 17 years until his retirement from the bench in 2005.

Upon retiring, Bob and his wife Mary relocated to their dream home in Beaufort, South Carolina, where Bob became licensed as a real estate broker and joined Mary in forming a real estate agency. Together they helped many others find their own dream homes in the Low Country of the Carolina coast.

Bob was an active part of both of his favorite cities. In Salem, Ohio he started out as an Eagle Scout, and throughout his career he served the community and the county in many ways. In addition to his service with the prosecutor and public defender, he was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and served on its board of elders, member of Kiwanis Club, Ruritan Club, Columbiana County Fair board of directors, Salem High School Alumni Association committee member and trustee, the Columbiana County Bar Association, The Ohio Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and member and trustee of the charitable referral service A.I.D of Salem. He volunteered as a little league baseball coach and was an enthusiastic player on the Legends baseball team. He was the recipient of many awards and recognitions from these and other organizations.

In Beaufort, SC, Bob was a licensed real estate Broker, a volunteer in the Kairos Prison ministry, and a devoted member of the St. Helena Episcopal Church, where he also served as a docent for the beautiful and historic church facilities.

Bob maintained a lifelong love of horses, owning and frequently riding champion caliber horses. He was a staunch Cleveland Indians fan and made sure to attend opening day whenever possible. A man of endless curiosity and energy, he pursued hobbies, travel and other interests with boundless enthusiasm.

He is survived by his wife, Mary (Fisher) Roberts of Beaufort, SC and formerly of Salem, Ohio, former wife Louise (McHenry) Roberts of Charlotte, NC, daughter Anne (Erik) Knudson of Charlotte, NC, son Robert M. Roberts of Charlotte, NC, parents Robert E. and Marilyn A. Roberts of Salem, Ohio, brother Ron (Terri) Roberts of Salem, sister Diane (Paul) Young of Poland, Ohio, stepsons Tim Treleven of Stuart, Florida, Scott Treleven of Lisbon, Ohio, and John Treleven of Salem, Ohio, aunt Marge Lenz of Palm Desert, California, three grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his constant companion Curly the Labradoodle. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jerry and Gladys Roberts of Damascus, Ohio and Charles and Mary Lenz of North Lima, Ohio, and uncles Mike Roberts, Jim Roberts, and Charles Lenz.

A memorial service will be held at the St. Helena Episcopal Church in Beaufort, South Carolina at noon on Friday December 19, 2014 and a second memorial service at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 12:00 noon. Friends may visit with the family at the church an hour before the service. The Columbiana Bar Association will hold a private memorial service for members of the bar at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Columbiana County Fair Grandstand Fund in Bob’s name (Columbiana County Fair Grandstand Fund, P.O. Box 356, Lisbon, OH 44432 or call 330-424-5311).

Bob was greatly admired by many and will be sorely missed by his friends and family. The fight is over, the battle is won.

12/17/14