Charles was born July 6, 1927 in Chadron to Willis Evert and Ita Maude Roberts. He grew up on a farm with eight siblings on the edge of the Pine Ridge southeast of Whitney, where he developed a love for horses that continued throughout his life.
Charles was a proficient horseman and trainer, breaking horses to ride and drive. Stories abound, both numerous and sobering, regarding his life during the depression years of trying to scratch out a living with his large family by raising livestock and large gardens in the steep hills of the Pine Ridge. Charles and his siblings grew up regularly attending American Sunday School Union Bethel Church.
Charles served in the Army from June 1946 to May 1947. Charles also had a love for airplanes and flying, and he received a pilot's license Sept. 18, 1947. Charles met and fell in love with Lenita Childers. They were married Oct. 18, 1949, and became parents of four children: Janet, Rick, Rodger and Bruce.
After moving to the Hebbert place west of Chadron, Charles and and Lenita, continued to be involved at Bethel raising their children with the Biblical values taught there. Charles' faith in the scripture of the Bible gave him the basis for his faith in God, which was a constant source of strength throughout his life. One of the greatest gifts Charles gave as a father was the opportunity to be raised in a Christian home.
Charles had a successful farming and ranching career. He raised cattle, sheep, horses, grains, hay and operated a dairy during his life in the Chadron/Whitney area until his retirement in 1994. He moved to Arizona and at that time he fulfilled a lifelong dream to travel, visiting every state except Alaska. Charles found great enjoyment in the news and accomplishments of his 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Survivors include his daughter Janet Moore, of Denver; sons, Rick Roberts and wife Loretta of Hay Springs, Rodger Roberts and wife Brenda of Crawford; daughter-in-law Rosa Roberts of Crawford; sisters Martheena and husband Don Haden of Chadron and Avis Fleharty and husband Lee of Buffalo Gap, S.D.; sister-in-law Pat Roberts of Kennewick, Wash.; brothers Dean and wife Martha of Chicago, Dale and wife Rose of Norfolk and Boyd and wife Shirley of Chadron; brother-in-law Bill Pierce of Lander, Wyo. and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife Lenita; second wife Gladys; companion Joie; father Willis; mother Ita Maude; stepmother Velma; brothers Steve and Lester, and Lester's wife Dorothy; sister Zada Mae Pierce; and son Bruce.