James Phillip "Phil" Roberts

James Phillip “Phil” Roberts, 79, of New Castle passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, September 21, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on October 4, 1940 in New Castle a son of the late Robert S. and Dula Odeen (Huckeby) Roberts. Phil attended New Castle Chrysler High School and graduated in 1959. In 1960 he began International Barber School in Indianapolis and started cutting hair with Wilbur’s before it transitioned to Varsity Barber Shop on 14th street. Phil co-owned Varsity Barber Shop with Richard Brown, “Brownie”, for 46 years before retiring. Phil and Brownie also owned and operated a motorcycle shop from Phil’s garage where they would rebuild and repair motorcycles. Phil was elected as City Councilman in 1980 and served until 1990. He was a former member of the Evening Optimists Club and lifetime member of the National Sporting Clays Association. Phil married the love of his life, Sharon Malone, on July 9, 1961. They enjoyed many things together, especially boating on the weekends with their family on the Ohio River and later travelling for clay shooting competitions. Phil was an avid football fan and served as a coach of New Castle Little League Football from 1971-1974. He loved watching his boys play and coach high school and college football. Phil and Sharon would never miss a game. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 59 years, Sharon (Malone) Roberts; sons, Shayne (wife: Vickie Painter) Roberts of Phillips, WI and Shannon (wife: Lisa Suttner) Roberts of Bloomington, IN; grandchildren, Caitlin (husband: Mitch) Larson of Clear Lake, IA, Thomas Roberts of Salt Lake City, UT, Mitchell Roberts of Madison, WI, Sam Roberts of Bozeman, MT, Lily and Luke Roberts both of Bloomington; a sister, Diann Wooldridge of Muncie; nieces, Kelli Johnson and Kris (husband: Ken) Johnson-Whetsel both of Muncie; great-niece, Morgan Johnson and great-nephew Matthew Medecke both of Muncie; brother-in-law, Stephen (wife: Debbie) Malone and their son Brant Malone of New Castle and numerous cousins and extended family. Phil always had a tough time with the smells from flowers. In lieu of flowers the family would encourage you to make a memorial contribution to the New Castle Trojan Youth Football or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Ingalls officiating. Friends may call from 2 – 4 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Phil Roberts. ***Due to the COVID-19 virus masks and social distancing will be recommended. With the safety of others in mind, please do not attend if you feel any symptoms of illness.***

Tributes

James Phillip "Phil" Roberts

October 4, 1940 - September 21, 2020