Wendell Roberts

Wendell Dean Roberts, 97, of Bremerton died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Bay Point Retirement Comm.  surrounded by family.   Wendell was born Nov. 12, 1913 in Paola, Kansas to Thomas and Lula (Knight) Roberts.  Shortly after high school Wendell went into the beekeeping business with his father and married his high school sweetheart, Doris Fullerton.  He and Doris lived in Montana for 45 years.  After retirement they moved to Port Orchard where they resided for 28 years.  They also had a retirement home in Mesa, AZ.  They moved to Bremerton in 2008 and gained many new and wonderful friends.  Wendell played the banjo in a dance band, was an excellent dancer, and learned to play the organ after he retired.  He was president of the Montana State Beekeepers Assn., active in the Eagles, the Lions, the Photography Club, the Bowling Club and Horseshoe Clubs in Fairview, Port Orchard and Mesa.  He and Doris enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling in their RV.  Wendell was a "Handyman" and could fix just about anything. He is preceded in death by parents, brothers, Roland and Tom, and one grandchild, Garret Griggs.   Survived by his wife Doris of 76 years, three daughters, Rebecca (Warren) Johnson of Belfair, Peggy Evers of Bremerton and Donae  Jean (Kenneth) Cordell of Gustine, CA., 9 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.  Also surviving are many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be Tues. June 28, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Rill’s Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard.  Burial will be at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard. Donations made to Hospice of Kitsap County.