LIDA — Nelvis Eugene (Gene) Roberts age 84, passed peacefully, after a brief illness, on Friday, September 17, 2021 at SRMC with his loving family by his side.

He was born July 7, 1937 in Kentucky, the first son of Nelson and Mary Pauline (Sparks) Roberts who preceeded him in death. He was also preceded in death by sisters Sue and Mary and brothers Kenneth and Harold.

On August 6, 1960, he married his love of 61 years, Joan Estelle Reyda.

He was a long time member of Lima Baptist Temple. He worked as head chef for ARA Services at Ford Motor Company, Lima Engine Plant for 45 years, never missing a day of work. Early in his life, he also owned a restaurant in Tampa, Florida. He enjoyed woodworking and his family.

Surviving is his son Steven (Melynda) Roberts of Spencerville, OH; his daughter Lisa (Randy) High of Lima, OH; Sisters Lela Brackett of North Carolina and Sandra (David) Murvine of Akron, OH; Brothers in law Robert (Elena) Reyda of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Ted Reyda of Saugatuck MI and James Reyda of Akron, OH and a number of nieces and nephews.

Gene is also survived by his grandchildren; Ashley (Russell)Tate of Georgetown, KY; Amber (Shane) Huber of Lima, OH; Anna (Bryan) Mack of Lima, OH; Andy (Alyssa Pohlman) Roberts of Lima, OH and Cole Roberts of Spencerville, OH. He is also survived by 16 great-grand children who were the apple of his eye.

He was preceded in death by one great-grand daughter.

Services will be Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 1:00pm with visitation beginning at 11:00am at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, OH. There will be no burial services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Diabetes Foundation, March of Dimes and Spencerville Athletic Boosters.