NEWARK: Funeral services for Earl â??Dukeâ? Roberts, 78 of Frazeysburg, formerly of Newark will be 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in the Newark Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home with Pastor Judy Baker officiating. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Fairmount Cemetery.

Duke died Sunday morning, June 20, 2010 at the Medical Center of Newark. He was born September 3, 1931 in Newark to the late John and Mary (Livingston) Roberts.

In 1950 Duke graduated from Newark High School. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the U.S.S. Sicily. He retired from Rockwell International in 1986 after 31 years of service. After retiring from Rockwell, Duke enjoyed operating his painting business. He was a member of the Fairmount Presbyterian Church; an avid golfer; devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Sally Lou (Forbes) Roberts, whom he married April 20, 1954; sons, Mark F. Roberts of Newark, Chris S. (Tina) Roberts of Frazeysburg, Glenn J. Roberts of Newark; grandsons, Chad A. Roberts of Dayton, Joshua S. Roberts of Frazeysburg; and great-grandchildren, Tristan and Christian Roberts of Illinois.

In addition to his parents, Duke was preceded in death by his firstborn son, John Vincent Roberts; and a grandson, John Vincent Roberts II.

Family and friends may call two hours prior to the funeral service, from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the VENSIL-ORR & CHUTE FUNERAL HOME, 1850 W. Main Street, Newark.