Mr. E. J. Roberts age 88 of the Jefferson Community of DeKalb County, passed away Tuesday afternoon at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital.  He was born September 27, 1928 to his parents, the late John Milton and Becky Lou Farless Roberts.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 children, Carolyn Ann Roberts, Eugene Roberts, Cecil Roberts, and Brenda Koontz; 1 step-son, Eddie Neal; 1 grandson, Daymon Trapp; 2 brothers, Obie and James Roberts; 2 sisters, Vina Cleo Vandergriff and Martha Lou McDowell.  Mr. E.J. was a member of the Mt. Hope The Baptist Church and retired from the City of McMinnville Water Dept. as a backhoe operator.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Hazel Delong Neal Roberts of Smithville; 3 children, Geraldean (Wayne) Madewell of Rock Island, Janet (Darrel) Trapp of Dowelltown, Donna (Buddie) Robinson of Smithville; 2 step-children, Floyd (Linda) Neal of McMinnville and Rose Ellen (Larry) Stevens of Smithville; 18 grandchildren, Beverly Cannon, Deanna Vaughn, Rebecca Bond, Shawn Koontz, Crystal Dillon, Steven Dale, Brian Roberts, Greg Roberts, Sandy Driver, Jayrah Trapp, Jamison Trapp, Emily Vanatta, Joni Robinson, Kessie Robinson, Zeva Robinson, Tony Neal, Marty Stevens, Sandra Majors; several great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Waymon Roberts of Morrison; 1 sister-in-law, Iva Roberts of Ohio.  Funeral services will be conducted 11:AM Friday, November 4, 2016 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Garry McBride and Bro. Dwight Knowles officiating and burial to follow in Crain Hill Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be on Thursday 11:AM until 8:PM and Friday 9:AM until the time of the service at 11:AM.  DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.