John C. Roberts, 86, of Plevna, Kansas, crossed the Rainbow Bridge for a joyous reunion with members of his four-legged family on Monday afternoon, April 10, 2017 at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, Kansas.

Born, December 1, 1930 in Newton, Kansas, he was the son of Erskine E. and Thelma (Nold) Roberts. He was raised and received his education in Newton, graduating from Newton High School in 1948. He then proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Mansfield during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to Newton.

In 1961 he married Vivian Cohlmia in Wichita, Kansas. To this union a daughter was born. The couple later divorced. John then moved to Topeka, Kansas where he attended and graduated from Washburn University School of Law. After school he worked for a number of years with the Wichita District Attorney's Office. He later moved to Plevna, Kansas and began working as a Circuit Court Judge. He continued working as a Judge until his retirement in 1992. In February of 2014 he moved to the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield. John loved to read, take care of his numerous dogs and putter around his 6 acre farm.

His family includes:
His soulmate: Mimi Van Vechten of Rogue River, OR;
His daughter: Sheila Hardman and husband, Tom of Wichita;
His brother: Charles Roberts and wife, Erasmia of Wichita; and
His grandchildren: Timothy, Claire and Gabe Hardman all of Wichita.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his stepmother, Mary Roberts.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been established in John's name for the Kansas Veterans Home and for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
gh the funeral home.