Wendell Fred Roberts

Wendell Fred Roberts, 77, passed away Thursday, Nov. 30, in his home. He was the husband of Gayle Pendleton Roberts. They shared 57 years of marriage. Wendell was born at Polk at his parents’ home July 24, 1940. Son of Fred and Mabel Roberts, he had a strong attachment to the family farm his entire life. He attended Inglis School and later Bolivar High School where he graduated in 1958. A graduate of Southwest Baptist College and the University of Missouri, Wendell went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Agronomy from the University of Missouri. After teaching vocational agriculture and serving as an FFA instructor at Green Ridge for several years, he was a county extension agent with the University of Missouri for 33 years. Based in Versailles, he served farmers in Morgan, Moniteau, Laclede, Miller, Camden, Benton and Pettis Counties. An avid hunter, Wendell enjoyed raising Walker coon dogs for many years. Breeding puppies to ship around the United States was often a family affair. With his parents’ failing health, he became a weekend farmer maintaining cattle and a few crops on their farm. Upon his retirement in 2000, Wendell and Gayle permanently re-located to Bolivar where they enjoyed being amongst longtime family and friends. Wendell was saved at an early age at Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church. He and Gayle were involved with the family in church activities throughout their married life. Preceded in death by his parents, Wendell is survived by his wife Gayle; daughter Susan Prewett (Kevin), Richmond, Va.; son Tim (Melissa), Bolivar; and brother Denzil (Donna Jean), Bolivar. Wendell greatly loved his grandchildren and delighted in their love, stories and accomplishments. They are: Emily Pearson (Tom), Richmond, Va.; Garrett Prewett, Black Mountain, N.C.; Addison Prewett, Waco, Tx.; Sarah Kate Prewett, Richmond, Va., Elijah Roberts, Bolivar; and Rhyan Roberts, Bolivar. Great-granddaughters are Felicity and Elizabeth Pearson, Richmond, Va. Survived by the families of his nephew, Ronnie Roberts (Lori) and niece Cheryl Hinkle (Ronnie), along with a large family of cousins, Wendell will be missed by a host of family and friends in both the Bolivar and Versailles communities. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Payne Cemetery or the American Cancer Society. Visitation for Wendell Roberts will be Monday December 04, 2017 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Payne Cemetery in Polk, Missouri.

Wendell Fred Roberts

July 24, 1940 - November 30, 2017