Floyd Joseph Roberts

Cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Floyd passed away at home on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old, born Sept. 27, 1923. Floyd was the embodiment of America's Greatest Generation, and the stoic, loving patriarch of our family. Born in Hahnville, Louisiana, Floyd had been a resident of Baton Rouge since 1956. The eldest of 3 boys, Floyd and his brothers Gerald "Buddy" and Warren "Dell", were born and raised in Hahnville by parents Odette and Joseph Paul "J.P." Roberts. At 16, Floyd began attending LSU. He relied on the kindness of strangers, hitchhiking his way to and from Baton Rouge for his studies in Chemistry, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Tiger Marching Band. After 3 years at LSU, his studies were temporarily interrupted as he performed his patriotic duty during World War II. He entered Army Officer Candidate School in 1941 and rose to First Lieutenant in the First Calvary Division. When deployed, Floyd was aboard the first occupying ship that landed in Japan after the Hiroshima bombing. During his tour, his company was responsible for the protection of the assets of the Bank of Japan. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Floyd went on to complete his bachelor's degree at LSU while working part-time and living with his parents, who had relocated to White Castle during WWII. He also completed post-graduate studies in Business. In 1948 Floyd met his bride-to-be, Malvina "Tidda" Brown, while she was working at the Bart-Well Inc. store in Baton Rouge. The couple married in 1949 and settled in White Castle. Floyd, having always possessed a keen business sense and exceptional work ethic, rose to become President of Bart-Well Inc., as well as White Castle Lion's Club President. Floyd and Tidda relocated to Baton Rouge with young sons Floyd Jr. ("Flipper"), Randall ("Randy"), and daughter Regina ("Reggie"), in 1956. In that home, which they remain in to this day, they welcomed one more daughter, Rebecca. In 1977, the first Roberts grandchild was born, and with him, the affectionate moniker, "Pops" was also born. Six more grandchildren followed, all of which he lovingly doted upon. A devoted family man, cancer survivor, talented craftsman, outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter, he was known for working with his able hands and his love of numbers. Floyd especially cherished fishing with his children and grandchildren, and spending time at his vacation home on Grand Isle. He deeply loved his loyal wife of 65 years, Tidda, his four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He enters Heaven with our profound love in return, and a place of honor in our hearts. Floyd is survived by his wife, Tidda Roberts, and his children: Dr. Floyd Joseph Roberts Jr. and his wife Nancy Sage Roberts, son Randall Roberts and his wife Missy Evans Roberts, daughter Regina Roberts Rieger and her husband Dr. Frank "Broxie" Rieger, and daughter Rebecca Anne Roberts. He is also survived by grandchildren J. Paul Roberts, Andrew Roberts, Sage Roberts, Brian Roberts, Ben Roberts, Beau Rieger and Rebecca Rieger Greer, and 4 great-grandchildren. Our most sincere thanks are due to the medical team and caregivers that provided such compassionate care in his final years, especially Valerie Guff and Dr. Steve Zuckerman. Services will be held at 1pm, Saturday, December 28, at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 450 Marquette Avenue in Baton Rouge. Visitation will be Friday, December 27, from 5 to 7pm at Rabenhorst East, 11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, 70815, (225) 272-9950, and Saturday, December 28, at Our Lady of Mercy Church after 12 noon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church.