Charles Jacob Roat

Charles Jacob Roat, 97, of Havana, passed away at Em’s Haven of Rest, in Havana, at 6:20 a.m. on Monday, December 05, 2016. He was born August 14, 1919 in rural Havana, to Henry G. and Julia (Hendricker) Roat. He married Thelma June Smith on August 9, 1941. She preceded him in death on March 1, 2010. Mr. Roat is survived by three sons: Keith (Donna) Roat of Havana, Ronald (Cheryl) Roat of Goodyear, AZ, Eldon (Kari) Roat of Havana, eight grandchildren: Brian (Shannon) Roat, Brad (Julie) Roat, Brent (Billie Jo) Roat, Ben (Kathy) Roat, Dana (Mark) Bailey, David (Jaclyn) Roat, Rachel (Rich) White, Johanna (Jake) Marks, eighteen great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, John Roat and Daniel (Eleanor) Roat, both of Havana and sister Carol Reedy of Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and seven siblings, Alice Murphy, Mildred Park, Paul Roat, Roy Roat, Bess Wade, Gerald Roat and Marvin Roat. Mr. Roat was a lifelong member of the Havana Church of the Nazarene where he had been a Trustee, Sunday School teacher, Church Treasurer and Song Leader. He was a farmer his whole life, most recently farming with his son Keith and grandson Brian. He had worked with John Deere in developing new corn pickers and other inventions to improve farm equipment. He was featured in Prairie Farmer magazine on multiple occasions, as a result of his inventions. He was a member of Irrigated Growers and was one of the first farmers in the area to use irrigation in his fields. He was a member of Mason County Farm Bureau for many years. He worked with the University of Illinois Extension Service for 25 years setting plots. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was devoted to his family, church and farm. Mr. Roat’s family would like to thank the staff at Em’s Haven of Rest for their excellent care. Visitation will be held at the Havana Church of the Nazarene from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016, also at the church. Rev. Jim Buchanan and Rev. Sue Roat will officiate. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Memorial contributions may be made to Havana Church of the Nazarene Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Jacob Roat

August 14, 1919 - December 5, 2016

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