Michael Officer Roberson

Michael Officer Roberson did not live an easy life. He was a warrior, a scrappy soldier who met his challenges on the battlefield of life with a fearless, feisty and courageous spirit. Michael, who entered this world Nov. 29, 1948, was one of eight children born to Thomas and Jonnie Roberson. Michael grew up on Earle Avenue in Cleveland where he was known as a mischievous, energetic little boy who loved camping and fishing. At age 11, Michael was baptized at Adams Avenue Church of Christ. As a young adult, Michael earned extra money as a handyman and working in a neighborhood restaurant. After leaving Glenville High School in 1965, Michael joined the Marines and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. While there, Michael distinguished himself as a member of a Recon (Reconnaissance) Battalion, a special operations unit similar to the Navy Seals and U.S. Army Rangers. Michael, who was honorably discharged in 1969, was also recognized as an extraordinary cook, a skill that followed him throughout his life. After leaving the service, Michael returned to Cleveland, enrolled in carpentry school and eventually earned his contractor's license. He became a master at renovations and helped build homes throughout Northeast Ohio. He was self-employed throughout most of his life. Michael's oldest child, Deliska Finch, was born in Cleveland in 1965. While still in the service, Michael married Deborah White of Cleveland in 1969. Three children were born to this union - Michael Jr. (1969), Katrina (1970) and Eric (1973). Michael had two other children - Tryron Lloyd, (1974), of Richmond, Indiana and Roxanne McQueen, (1995), of Cleveland. Michael's battle with cancer, linked to his exposure to Agent Orange during the Viet Nam War, began two years ago. After a valiant struggle, Michael died just minutes before midnight Dec. 29, 2011 in a hospice ward at Veterans Administration Hospital in Cleveland. Two of Michael's sons tragically preceded him in death - Michael Jr., in 1993 and Eric in 2008. Michael is survived by daughters Deliska (Neville) Clarke of Maple Heights, Ohio; Katrina Roberson (Kevin Spivey) of Rome, Ga.; Roxanne McQueen of Cleveland, Ohio; son, Tryron (Darlene) Lloyd of Richmond, Indiana and 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his longtime fiancé, Cherry McDonall of Warren, Ohio; five sisters - Eunetta McGlothan of Cleveland, Betty Simpson of McMinnville, Tenn., Martha Stone and Pamela R. Young of Atlanta and Angela Roberson of Oceanside, Calif.; one brother, Thomas Roberson of Oceanside and an aunt, Mamie Lou Evans of Cleveland, Ohio. A younger sister, Pandora Roberson, died in 1980. Others who mourn his passing include a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Michael will be remembered for his wit, his generosity and his never-give-up attitude. While saddened by his passing, his family and friends are comforted in knowing he now rests in peace with God. SERVICES ON THURSDAY, JAN. 5, WAKE 10:00 AM, FUNERAL 10:30 AM at Watson's Funeral Home, 10913 Superior Avenue.