Emory “Bob” R. Roberts, 93, of Kearney, formerly of Axtell, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden with Fr. Evan Winter officiating. Interment will be held later that day at 1:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell with military honors. Visitation with family present will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden, with Rosary service at 5:00 p.m. Memorials in Bob’s honor are kindly suggested to the Axtell Volunteer Fire Department or to the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home in Kearney. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Kearney. 

Emory (Bob) Robert Roberts was born on August 19, 1933 in Tarkio, MO to E.V. and Margaret Viana (Anderson) Roberts. He grew up on a farm near Skidmore, MO and attended country school and then Skidmore Public School, graduating in 1951.

On December 27, 1954, Bob married Jean Ann Ryan of Axtell at St. John’s Catholic Church in Minden, NE. They lived in Cozad and Kearney before moving to Axtell in 1959 where he established Roberts Construction Company and they made their home. To this marriage, they welcomed 7 children into the world. Bob and Jean were married for 67 years until Jean passed away in 2022. In 2023, Bob moved to the Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney, NE which is where he spent the remainder of his life.

During his time as a contractor, he built over 100 homes in the area. He built his last home at the age of 87. Although he did sublease portions of his final job out to others, he was swinging a hammer, drawing up house plans and deeply involved in the whole project. Along with his excellent craftsmanship in building homes, he was also known for his beautiful woodworking skills when creating other items but especially his China hutches, quilt racks, banks and grandfather clocks.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, the Axtell Chamber of Commerce and served on the Axtell Fire Department for 31 years. He served on the boards for the Axtell Housing Authority and Windmill Manor. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955.

Those left to cherish his memory include his five sons, Brad Roberts of Heartwell, NE, Greg (Rhonda) Roberts of rural Funk, NE, Jeff Roberts of rural Axtell, NE, Joe (Leisha) Roberts of Axtell, NE, Dennis (fiancée Sara) of Axtell, NE, two daughters Kathy Roberts of Kearney, NE and Teresa (Mark) Aten of rural Elm Creek, NE, nine grandchildren (Jeremy, Shane, Cody, Justin, Nate, Brett, Madison, Andrea and Matt), 15 great-grandchildren (Brooks, Colgan, Maelyn, Charlie, Riley, James, Emery, John, Eli, Jensen, Pierce, Nixon, Ellie, Evangeline, Felicie), sisters-in-law, Joan Johnson of Mason City, NE, Sharon Roberts of Council Grove, KS and Cleta Roberts of New Cambria, KS along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, two brothers, Maurice (Pete) Roberts of New Cambria, KS and Vernon of Council Grove, KS, and a sister, Emma Jean Mcntyre of Maitland, MO.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.