Hylton Paul Roberts

Hylton Paul Roberts was born to Orlando Stephen and Elsie Elizabeth (Powell) Roberts July 20, 1917 in Washington Township, Adams County, Iowa. He was one of eleven children who grew up in a farm family during the depression years.
He attended Washington Township schools and graduated from Corning High School in 1937. He attended Iowa State College studying agriculture prior to enlisting in Army Air Corps in 1942. During this time he was an instructor on the rifle range and trained to become a pilot. After his service he returned to Adams County to continue his love of farming.
On June 7, 1943 he married Margaret Lucille Jensen and to this union were born nine children. They moved to Margaret’s grandfather J.P. Jensen’s farm north of Corning where he resided until his death on August 8, 2011.
Hylton had a diversified farming operation raising hogs, chickens, sheep, milk cows, beef cows and row crops. He enjoyed feeding and storing high moisture corn to hogs and was named Master Pork Producer in 1975. In 1978 Hylton and Margaret incorporated the farm to include their three sons. The farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 1994. Hylton was dedicated to terracing and soil conservation.
He was a member of Walters Creek Watershed which led to establishing Lake Icaria located north of Corning. He enjoyed gardening and raising seedless watermelons and was an avid reader. As an outdoor enthusiast he enjoyed hunting mushrooms, fishing and especially the elk hunting trips to Colorado with his brothers and friends.
Hylton was a faithful member of the Corning United Methodist Church. He served on many church and community boards.
Hylton loved following his grandchildren in their sports and other activities. His loves were his family, farm, faith and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters: Sharon (John) Spragle of Clear Lake, Ilene (Mark) Hoffmann of Nevada, Ann (Lyle) Shill of Nevada, Jennifer (Dan) Jones of West Des Moines; sons: Jeff (Deb), Bernard (Dianne) and Burton (Michelle) all of Corning; fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister Jessie Krauth of Corning; former son-in-law, Delmar Chafa; brother-in-law, Ted Krauth of Omaha and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Roberts of Lawrence, Kansas; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Hylton in death were his parents; infant daughter, Martha; daughter, Shirley Chafa; infant grandsons: Kirk Chafa and Christopher Handeland; brothers: Eldon, Howard, Harrison, Orlando, Evan, Lewis; sisters: Charlotte Galusha, Verda Roberts and Lucille Krauth.