David, L Roberts, 77, St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024. He was born November 21, 1946 in Saint Joseph to Russell and Mabel (Lidgett) Roberts.
After graduating from Benton high school in 1965, he served his country as a 3rd Marine Division corpsman in the Viet Nam war (1965-1968) He had received extensive training at the US Naval medical school in San Diego, California. He received 2 Purple Hearts, Bronze Star and the combat “V” for valor. He had been wounded twice. Using a ballpoint pen and cigarette lighter, wounded himself the 2nd time, David saved the life of a fallen Marine by performing an emergency tracheotomy on him.
After returning from the war he lived in California and Oregon. There he worked as a respiratory therapist. He retired in 2005 and moved back to St. Joseph in 2007. He loved to camp, fish and do a little photography.
He is preceded in death by his parents and infant sister. He has 3 children who reside in California; Shon Tate, Joani Tate and Kelly Tate-Aguirre. With numerous grandchildren.
Also surviving is James Roberts, Gerry Roberts and Susan Dudley.
Graveside memorial services and United States Navy honors will be 11:00 am Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at the Leavenworth National Cemetery.