Ernest "Lippy" Leon Roberts

Sullivan,

It is with the deepest sadness that the family of Ernest Leon Roberts announce his retirement from life here on Earth. He departed on his great adventure to Heaven on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024. He was 68 years old and resided in Merom, Indiana.

The man most famously known as Leon, Lippy, Papaw, or Biscuit (CB radio handle) was born on Friday, March 23rd, 1956, to Ernest W. and Fern Geneva Raley Roberts in Sullivan, Indiana.

Leon lived in Merom most of his life, the youngest of his six siblings, he grew up with his nieces and nephews, having fun and making mischief. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1974.

He married the love of his life, Dawn A. Thornberry, on Saturday, April 25th, 1981. Leon and Dawn built a beautiful life together. They moved from the town of Merom to the Roberts Farm at Brightlight Bottoms in 1998. Leon enjoyed farming life, taking care of his chickens and gardening. He loved nature and enjoyed being outdoors. Fishing, camping, boating, deer hunting, rock hunting, mushroom hunting, cooking out, swimming (ladder flips and cannonballs!). Leon also had a love of music and dancing. He was known to “cut a rug” and was truly the life of the party. He had an incredible sense of humor and was very quick witted. Biscuit was Leon’s CB handle. He loved talking on the CB, had several CB friends he talked to and was able to speak to places as far away as Australia.

Leon had a fierce work ethic with many talents and skills. He just recently retired from his trash route that he dedicated more than 17 years to. There was no amount of snow, ice, wind, rain, or pain that stopped him each week. He was also a very skilled logger and ran a chainsaw in a way that looked effortless.

Leon also worked as a lineman for IBEW, was the Operator for the Town of Merom Water Works and worked as an IronWorker helping to build the Merom Power Plant. Leon’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved his children and family more than life itself. He was so proud of all his kids and grandkids.

Leon was a fun person to be around. He was unique with a big, charismatic personality and always knew just what to say to make you laugh or help solve your problem. He was a very genuine, generous, and caring soul that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Leon had a big heart and loved so many very deeply. He was the best husband, Dad, and Papaw anyone could ask for and he will be  sadly missed, always loved and never forgotten.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jim and Alan Roberts, three sisters, Martha Rose Roberts, Erma Roberts Abrams, and Thelma Roberts Price along with his fur baby Flea.

Survivors left to carry on his spirit include his wife and soulmate of 43 years, Dawn Roberts, three daughters, Jana Roberts Feyen (Kevin), Rose Shepler (Fred), and Lee Ann Murray (Mark). Grandchildren, Harley, Andy, Jaylee, Abby, Connor, Raelynn, and Allyrose. Several other family members including, a sister-in-law Barbara Roberts, beloved nieces, nephews, and their families. He also leaves behind his fur-baby best friend, Rowdy.

A visitation will take place at Holmes Memorial Chapel in Sullivan, Indiana on Saturday, November 16th from 11:00am to 1:00pm with service at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Merom Cemetery with Bill Sam Phegley officiating.