Columbus, OH — Kenneth Roebuck, 86, of Urbana, Ohio, died Jan. 9, 2021, in his home.

Kenneth Roebuck, 86, of Urbana, Ohio, died Jan. 9, 2021.

He was born July 8, 1934, in Lambton, Ontario, the son of the late George H. and Annie (Creighton). He was born and raised in Ontario. He met and married Reta Leenknegt on Sept. 24, 1956. They moved to Ohio with their young family in 1964 and settled in Urbana to raise their 10 children. They just celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Mr. Roebuck was a member of the Grace Mutual United Methodist Church.

He was also a member of the USTA and was involved with Standardbred racing for more than 65 years. He celebrated many victories with his family and friends over the years.

He retired from Reiter Dairy in 1998 after many years of service.

He loved spending time with family and friends at the Champaign County Fairgrounds. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and vacationing in Canada.

He provided a good example of hard work, perseverance, love and compassion to his children, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is said to be “the pillar of strength” to them.

The family is completely heartbroken by the loss of their father but are comforted in knowing that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his sons, Ronnie and Scott.

Mr. Roebuck is survived by his wife, Reta (Leenknegt); children, Bonnie (Phillip) Maley, Donnie, Karen, Joanne (Pat) Petty, Brian (Judy), Robin (Jon) Berry, Amy (Kevin) Shepherd and Gaye (Craig) Carafa; grandchildren, Alissa (Nate) Jones, Jonathon Maley, Ashley, Evan (Lauren) Petty, Ellen Petty, Casey, Ranee (Todd) Dewiel, Rachel Berry, Thomas Berry, Luke Shepherd, Emma Shepherd, Bryce (Krista) Carafa, Andrew Carafa and Carly Carafa; great-grandchildren, Jack Dewiel, Addie Dewiel, Ava Jones, Georgia Petty, Henry Petty, Ronni Price, Lennon Carafa and Paige Maley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Ronnie Hazzard and Scott; siblings, Frank, Dean, Harry, Florence, Ruby, Muriel and Helen; and daughter-in-law, Julie.

A private memorial service will be held at the family’s convenience in the Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana, Ohio. A public celebration of his life will take place in the Spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to Give Medical Ministry, 1000 Mote Drive, Covington, OH 45318 or to the Champaign County Fair, c/o Champaign County Harness Horsemen’s Association, 384 Park Ave., Urbana, OH 43078.

Arrangements entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home, Urbana, Ohio. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.