Richard 'Richie' Roberts

Richard Raymond Roberts, 54, of Danville reluctantly passed this life on April 11, 2004 at 9:44 pm at Provena USMC Logan Campus in Danville. He was born on May 24, 1949 the son of Raymond and Catherine Gonguar Roberts in Danville. He married his friend, confidant and love of many years Katherine V. Slone Albert on April 6, 1996 in Gillespie, IL. She survives of Danville. Other survivors include one son: Shannon (Erin) Albert of Danville, two brothers: Ron (Dolores) Roberts of Danville and Jerry (Arlene) Roberts of Mill Valley, CA, one grandchild: Chase Anderson of Danville, as well as several nieces and nephews and other family and friends to numerous to mention. He is preceded in death by his parents. "Richie" attended Douglas Grade School, Southview Jr. High and graduated from Danville High School in 1967. He then attended Southern Illinois University where he earned his Major in Music. "Richie" started playing the bass violin in the 5th grade and developed a great love for music that he would pursue throughout his life. He received numerous first place awards at state level competitions. He later mastered the Electric Bass Violin and Electric and Acoustic Bass Guitars. During his professional music career he played with various bands such as the Keypers, Lyndon Branch Trio, Pontiac Jones, Chrades, The Slack Band, Free Style, Ted Baer Jazz Band, Class of 67, Moonshine Band, Wood Choppers, Jeff Howard Band and Dave Schroeder Swing Band. He also backed up famous recording artists such as Leslie Gore, Chubby Checker, Maynard Fergussen and Ed Shaughnessy. Besides music, especially Jazz, "Richie" enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He worked at MB Music and Sound in Danville where he was a Music Instructor and Salesman.