Wilford Roberts, former Perry Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief and 35-year member of the department, was honored Monday by fellow firefighters and a host of Perry residents for his many services to the city.
Roberts, 83, died Thursday, Jan. 21 at his home in Perry. His funeral Monday morning was the occasion for noting his lengthy record of accomplishments and his role as a benefactor to Perry, including his role in starting the Perry Rescue Unit and as a Red Cross volunteer, a member of the Perry City Council and a supporter of Abilities Unlimited.
Roberts also served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as a flight engineer and instructor on B-29 and B-50 airplanes at the U.S. Training Command, Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif.
He was a successful business person in Perry, operating Roberts Wrecker Service and working in underground trenching and hydro-jetting.
As his funeral cortege moved slowly from the Presbyterian Church in Perry to the Mowrer Cemetery on the town’s south side, the Perry Public Safety Department dispatch office noted his passing: “The bell has struck on his last alarm.”
Funeral was not at the Presbyterian Church. It was at Carris Funeral Home.
Excellent service.