Clifford E. Roberts

Roberts, Colonel Clifford E. U.S. Army, Ret. 93, of Vernon Hills, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. He was born April 4, 1921 in Staunton, IN and upon graduation from Rose Polytechnic Institute (now Rose-Hulman) and commissioning from ROTC in 1942, served during WWII in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, returning as a Major. He accepted a commission in the Regular Army and attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned an MS(EE) degree. During the Korean War, he was the Division Signal Officer of the 7th Infantry Division and participated in MacArthur's historic landing at Inchon and the division's advance to the Yalu River in North Korea bordering China. Upon the division's withdrawal from North Korea after China entered the war, he was required to remain behind and was one of the last to escape from enemy territory. Other assignments during his 30 year Army career included tours in Norway, Germany and thirteen years in the Pentagon. His last assignment was with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. His military decorations include three awards of the Legion of Merit, three awards of the Bronze Star Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Following retirement from the Army as a Colonel, he was employed for ten years as Telecommunications Manager for FMC Corporation in Chicago. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Gwynneth Roberts; 5 children, Pamela Roberts of Rickville, MD, Karin (the late Tom) Nuelle of Woodstock, Janet Bush and Deborah (Matthew) Stockert, both of Lake Bluff and Cliff (Amy) Roberts, Jr. of Highland Park; 7 grandchildren, Patrick, Rebecca, Kevin, Sarah, Emma, Tommy, Sophia; and his brother, Joe (Arline) Roberts. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Roberts. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest. Interment is pending at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758540, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements are by the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. Info: 847-362-3009 or please sign the guest book at www.burnettdane.com.

Clifford E. Roberts

April 4, 1921 - October 30, 2014