John C. Roberts, 70, doctor, pilot, father
Dr. John Carl Roberts was born to Carl Matthew Roberts and June Maureen Roberts (Neslund) in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 9, 1944. He lived in Corpus Christi during his early childhood, spending summers with grandparents in Cozad, Nebraska, until his family moved to Chicago, then to Wheaton, Illinois, where he graduated from high school in 1963. During those early years he developed an appreciation for big band and classical music, which inspired him to learn the French horn, and an intense passion for flying that would continue throughout his life.
Undergraduate and graduate level studies between 1967 and 1971 began to chart his life’s path. While studying zoology as a pre-med student at the University of Illinois, he played the French horn in the Marching Illini, started flying lessons, and met his wife-to-be, Karon (Bireline). He graduated in 1967 and started medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine the same year. In 1971 he graduated from the medical program and married Karon, piloting a single-engine Cessna to the Bahamas for their honeymoon.
A 14-year career in the U.S. Navy presented the opportunity to travel and pursue his passions in medicine, flying, and sailing. He completed a naval medical internship at the Chelsea Naval Hospital in Massachusetts in 1972 and then moved to Pensacola, Florida where he started Flight Surgeon Training. He received his Flight Surgeon Wings in 1973 and then moved to Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, where he trained in navy airplanes and practiced medicine as a Flight Surgeon. In 1975, he moved to Virginia Beach, where he worked extra shifts at night to save money—moonlighting his way to buy a sailboat, which he and Karon aptly named Moonlight. He was stationed at Virginia Beach and then in Portsmouth, Virginia to complete his residency between 1976 and 1980. In his free time he enjoyed sailing the Moonlight in the Chesapeake Bay with Karon. Their first child, a daughter, was born in 1978. John and his family moved to his final military station in Millington, Tennessee in 1980 and their second child, a son, was born two years later. They moved to Washington, Indiana in 1985 after he was honorably discharged from military service.
He practiced obstetrics and gynecology and continued to fly while living in Washington. Dedicated to his practice and his patients, he delivered an estimated 2,000 or more babies and one million corny jokes before retiring in 2003. While not at the hospital, he could often be found at the Daviess County Airport or somewhere in the skies over southern Indiana. He learned to fly a twin-engine Beechcraft, once safely piloting an emergency landing after an engine suddenly stopped midair. He also flew a T-6 Texan, a Merlin propjet, and a helicopter that he and a friend built from a kit. He and Karon moved to Columbus, Ohio in 2009 and to Fishers, Indiana in 2014, both times to be near their grandchildren.
After a five-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, his soul was set free to fly the clear heavenly skies on October 11, 2015. He went peacefully while in the company of his immediate family. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karon Lynne Roberts, and their two adult children: daughter, Lisa Michelle Luoma (Kevin) of Fishers, Indiana, and son, Eric John Roberts of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Also surviving are his sister, Tonya Goodnow (James) of Denton, Texas and three grandchildren, Carter, Lane, and Marin Luoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to the National Parkinson Foundation in memory of John at http://prkorg.convio.net/goto/JohnCRoberts. A private service will be held in his honor. Condolences can be delivered to P.O. Box 7016, Fishers, Indiana 46038.
Jacqueline Ferguson says
Lisa and family: So sorry for your loss. My he rest in peace
Shirley Yoder says
Sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Salmon says
Karon: Sending love and prayers your way. So sorry for your loss. The Salmon Family – Tammy, Larry, Chase, and Zen (Shoals, IN)
Melsnie Brinegar Ware says
I’m so sad to hear about the passing of precious Dr. Roberts. I worked with Dr. Roberts as an RN in 1993-1994 and he was very supportive of my desire to become a midwife. I finally acheived by CNM certification in 2004 and obtained my Dr. Degree in 2010. Thank you Dr. Roberts for believe in me and in the art of Midwifery.
Sylvia Greene says
Prayers for the family in their loss. He was such a caring and compassionate doctor.
Lisa Clark says
Sorry for you loss Dr Roberts relieved my children here in Washington Indiana he was a dang great Dr I thanks him everyday I had problems with my pregnancy with my oldest doctor and did it was not for him I would have lost her and my family would has last me and I would not been able to have my other children and he her today to see my grandbabies RIP DR ROBERTS YOU SURELY WILL BE MISSED
Barb and Laird says
Dear Lisa, Kevin and Family, We just learned that you lost your dad while we were gone, and want you to know that while delayed, our condolences are no less sincere. We are so sorry, and send our deepest, most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. May your dad rest in peace……….
Love, Barb and Laird
Nancy Roy says
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Roberts was my doctor in 1991 & until he moved away from Washington, IN. He was a kind & caring doctor. Cherish your memories of him. May he rest in peace.
Bruce Burns says
Dear Karon and Lisa and Eric, we are so sorry to learn of Doc’s passing. He was a special friend for many years and we are always beholding for his bringing our twins, Kayla and Kasey, into the world. We had many good times togetherboth on the ground and in the air. Rest in peace,Doc, now fly with the angels. Wheels up! From the Burns family
Summer Morgan says
Dr. Roberts was one of the BEST men I have ever known. As a pregnant teenager, he never made me feel bad about myself, as most people did. He delivered my daughter and saved my nephew’s life, 4 years later…He was a wonderful person and the BEST Doctor any Mother could ask for. His family are in my prayers.
pat harris says
Roberts family…I send my heart felt sympathy to you…I worked with Dr. At D.C.H. He never met a stranger and was always polite and caring…he took patients. To heart…it was both a pleasure and honor to work with him…may you find comfort knowing he is out of pain and suffering..God speed my friend
Chris McCrary says
So sorry to hear of his passing!! He was so helpful and diligent when my husband and I were trying to have a baby. He ended up delivering all 3 of my children. Two of the 3 deliveries were emergency c-sections that most likely save my child and me!!i hate to hear that he had to battle such a horrible disease!! He was a wonderful Doctor! Prayers to his family!
Pat & Don Cosby says
Karon, Lisa and Eric, We will remember your husband and father as one of the kindest men who we knew while you all lived here in Washington. He was a true gentleman and was friendly and caring to all he met. May God Bless all of you.
Sandy Fox says
Many prayers for DOCS family. My daughter was his Ob patient after loosing 2 babies. He researched and did not stop until he had answers to her health issues. After the loss of her baby girl he despertly tried to save he cried with her stayed by her side and attended my grandaughters tiny funeral.He promised Heather he would find answers and she would have her healthy baby. And he kept that promise. He baby boy will be 16 this Dec. Named John Austin after his name sake Dr. JOHN ROBERTS. DOC also helped with her next son who is now 13. My daughter , myself and entire family is forever greatful to a wonderful Doctor and friend. God speed. We will never ever forget him.
Kim stone says
There are many great things I could say about this man! Seen me through specialist to have my daughter, which he delivered! Through many other medical delimia’s! Was very comforting and supportive- his son played soccer with my son and they were friends as well! My sencere condolences to the family for your loss! God bless you all and may doc rest in peace!
Kim stone and family
Jeanna Cummings says
I am sorry for your loss Dr. Robert was a great doctor he delivered all 3 of my children. He always had a smile on his face it didn’t matter what time it was day or night.
Louise Doyle says
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Roberts death. I will forever be grateful to him for saving my daughter’s life. We were visiting my in-laws in Washington when I went into labor at 20 weeks. he performed surgery that allowed me to carry Angela another 4 weeks, long enough to give her a chance. She is now a thriving, healthy, happy 14-year old. Thank you, Dr. Roberts!
Amber Lopez says
I just found out about Dr. Roberts & I would like to say how sorry I am to his family. He was such an awesome
doctor & a wonderful human being. He delivered all 4 of my children & there isn’t anyone in this world that compares to this man. I tell my kids who are now 17, 19, 21, & 22 stories all the time about how they were born and the kind doctor who brought them into this world!! So thank you Dr. Roberts for being the best doctor there was & to his family, im so sorry that you are without this precious man!!