Lowell R. Roberts, 84, of Heltonville, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his residence.
Born January 20, 1942, in Bedford, he was the son of Robert H. and Mildred Roberta (Stafford) Roberts.
Lowell graduated from Heltonville High School.
He married Margaret Sarah Simmerman on July 24, 1992, and she survives.
Lowell worked as an Aerospace Design Engineer, traveling across the United States and Canada, retiring in 2010.
He was an avid basketball player, playing for Heltonville High School. Lowell enjoyed building intricate and beautiful wooden model ships, developed many patents, farming, playing guitar and singing, and spending time with his family.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Margaret; children, Lisa (Jeff) Bartlett, Lana Roberts, Bart (Kathy) Ornelas, and Richard (Mary Grace) Ornelas; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Hughes; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sally Fornwald; and brothers-in-law, Donnie Hughes and Reber Fornwald.
Cremation was chosen, and no services will be held, per Lowell’s wishes.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.limestonechapel.net.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Derek and Abby George of the Limestone Chapel of George Funeral Care at 527 15th Street in Bedford.
The poem below was written by his granddaughter, Montana Roberts.
Toodles Papaw
LOWELL, SON, BROTHER, FRIEND, HUSBAND, DAD, PAPAW
All the words given to a man
And every one of them has held his hand
Cooked his meals in a cast iron pan
Collected garden produce to be canned
Often called the cattleman
Held onto his family’s land
With the help of his loving wife Margret by his side
Life was not easy, but She was his guide Providing for his loved ones was his pride
Near the end loved ones surrounded his bedside
Speaking sweet words of love hoping for him to hold on
Because the fear of him being gone was so strong
Yet we know the life he lived was long
And that your mother is waiting with open arms Just know we will be here to maintain the farms
He could sing and play guitar
And If you’d ask what yodelers are
He’d yodel and you’d look at him brand new
Your idea of him grew
He worked for nasa as an engineer When he wasn’t busy wrestling steer
At the dinner table we’ll reminisce
Of all the time spent in bliss
It was hard to accept it was the end
But we knew you’d transcend
How leaving us you never did intend
We’ll discuss how Lowell was a great friend
We said toodles and blew you a kiss I hope you know you will be missed Love your granddaughter~ Montana
