Platte, South Dakota, April 1956 - Funeral services were held at the Cool Funeral Home Friday morning for Harry Russell Roberts, a resident of this community since 1883, who died suddenly Monday afternoon following a severe heart attack. Rev. Robert Thades officiated at the service, and burial was in the family plot in Old Platte Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ben Kleegle, Dean Rougemont, Helmer Baaken, Cecil Melcher, Elmer Gardner, and John McCartney.
Mr. Roberts was born at Camargo, Douglas County, Illinois March 15, 1882. In the spring of 1883, he, together with his parents, brothers and sisters, moved to Charles Mix county where his parents homesteaded on land one mile west of the present city of Platte, and where he lived until the town of Platte was started. Then he and his brother, O.L. Roberts, came to Platte and engaged in the livery business. Through the years he has been in several other enterprises, and at the time of his death was justice of the peace, which office he had held for several years.
On June 30, 1907 he was united in marriage to Anna E. Schmidt of Platte, who passed away May 2, 1919. To this union three children were born, Orville of Oakland, Cal, Russell of Fillmore, Cal and Arlene, Mrs. L. Wedemeyer of Hilo, Hawaii, all of whom survive him.
On December 14, 1955 he was united in marriage to Lena E. Baker of Platte who survives him. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. J.A. Fulwider and Mrs. Geo. Lundberg, both of Gregory, five grandchildren, One great-grandchild, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, and a grandson.
Mr. Roberts had been a member of the Platte Odd Fellow lodge for 53 years. He was a past grand of the order, a mamber of the Grand lodge, and a charter member of Platte Rebekah lodge.