John M Roby

John Roby, age 63, of Evansville died on September 12, 2016 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital. He was born in Evansville, IN on November 11, 1952 to Elmer Prentice Roby, Sr. and Dorothy (Bailey) Roby. John had most recently worked at Starbucks in Seattle, WA, retiring in 2009. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1972 to 1975, including two years at Ft. Campbell, KY and later stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. John was an avid fisherman, who enjoyed traveling, scuba diving and cooking. John had a passion for living life to its fullest. He traveled and lived around the world including Garmisch Germany, China, Korea, SriLanka, India, and Australia. He made many friends throughout his travels and kept in contact with most. He obtained his scuba diving instructors certification while living in Australia and truly loved diving. When he moved to Seattle Washington, he started fly fishing for trout and later on after retiring became a fishing guide on the Missouri River in Craig, Montana. During the winter he went to Daytona Beach, FL to fly fish for redfish, snook, and other saltwater species. He then tried his hand at freshwater fishing for largemouth bass. He became quite the bass fisherman in local stripper pits, Barkley Lake, and Guntersville Lake in Alabama. John spent lots of his time with his family and friends. He was always there to help out doing whatever anyone needed or wanted. He cherished the love he had for his family which meant more to him than anything else. Everyone looked forward to the unique dishes he cooked for family gatherings. John was quite the conversationalist. He kept everyone entertained with the stories of his travels and experiences most people only dream of. John spent lots of his time keeping in shape at Bob’s gym north. There he made many friends who he admired. He spent several hours each day there no doubt talking and telling stories and of course working out and swimming. Survivors include a sister, Gerry Schmidt (Bill) of Evansville, four brothers, Elmer “Penny” Roby, Jr. of Evansville, Joe Roby of Seattle, WA, Ed Roby of Evansville and John’s friend and brother, Eric McMichael (Linda). He is also survived by six nieces, Shanna Scheessele, Madison and Bailey Roby, Emily Schmidt, Casey Roby and Elizabeth Boyle; two nephews, Adam Schmidt and Jesse Roby. Per John’s wishes, services will be private. Pierre Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association.

John M Roby

November 11, 1952 - September 12, 2016