Feb. 12, 1943 - Feb. 15, 2012
SOUTH BEND - William Otto Roberts was born on February 12th, 1943 in South Bend, Indiana, into the union of Frances Louise Powell Roberts and Joseph Warren Roberts. He was the fourth of six children. His siblings, Sharon, Joseph Jr. and Robert preceded him in death. Two sisters, Sandra Haines and Pamela Hughes, survive him. Bill was a graduate of John Adams High School in South Bend, IN where he was a three-sport letterman. He received his B.S. in Education from Ball State University, and his M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from Indiana University. He also completed an Ed.S. (education specialist in administration) at Indiana University. While at Ball State he became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Bill began his career with the South Bend Community School Corporation as a teacher, counselor, and coach at John F. Nuner Elementary School. He was there from 1966-1973. In 1973 he became Assistant Director of Human Resources. He later was named Assistant Superintendent in charge of Human Resources. He married Carla Maureen Lanier in December of 1966. Bill was a loving husband and father to his son Joseph (born in 1971) and his daughter Melanie (born in 1972). He was passionate about the wellbeing of his family and became a doting grandfather to his grandsons, William and Anthony. Bill was affiliated with Olivet A.M.E. Church (which his forebears founded) in South Bend, and later with Robinson Community AME Church in Indianapolis, IN. Bill leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 45 years, Carla Maureen; his son Joseph L. Roberts; his daughter Melanie A. Roberts; grandsons William and Anthony; sisters Sandra Roberts Haines and Pamela Roberts Hughes and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorial services shall be Saturday, February 18th at Olivet A.M.E. Church, 719 Notre Dame Avenue, in South Bend, IN. The visitation shall be at 11:00 am with the service to follow at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers or other personal gifts, the family would appreciate it if donations could be directed to the Sarcoma Foundation of America (to be found at curesarcoma.org). Arrangements entrusted to Indiana Funeral Care.