LAYTON KENNETH “KENNY” ROBERTS
Layton Kenneth “Kenny” Roberts, 93, of Macon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Boone Hospital in Columbia. Born on November 10, 1932, in Mendon, Missouri, he was the son of James Layton Roberts and Delma Ruth (Blackman) Roberts.
Kenny was a proud graduate of Rothville High School and continued his education at Northeast Teachers College, earning a master’s degree. He devoted his life to education, serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator from 1958 until 1990 in numerous Missouri communities, including Novinger, Marceline, Lebanon, LaBelle, Knox County, Canton, Linn County, Fairfax, Cairo, St. Clair, and Bosworth. He also served as Sheriff of Knox County in 1971.
On October 14, 1960, Kenny married Carol Jean Linder. Together they built a life centered on family and hard work.
Kenny was an avid outdoorsman whose passion for hunting and fishing spanned a lifetime. A dedicated turkey hunter, he got a turkey during every fall and spring season from 1960 through 2025. He was also a passionate quail hunter and raised English Setters for more than fifty years. Kenny loved catfishing and proudly caught six fish on May 18, 2026, just days before his passing. He was a tremendous competitor who enjoyed following St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Gonzaga, and basketball.
Kenny is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Roberts of the home; his sons, Mike Roberts (Barb), Bob Roberts (Brenda), and Rick Roberts (Cindy); daughter-in-law, TC Roberts; grandchildren Shelly Power, Amy Anderson, Brian Roberts, Jennifer Page, Andrew Roberts, Tyler Roberts, Brandie Wilkerson, Brad Roberts, Hadley Roberts, Collin Roberts, and Zane Roberts; and great-grandchildren Landon, Ellie, Carson, Drew, and Avery Power, Kendal and Brock Roberts, Hayden Vicroy, Hudson and Nash Wilkerson, Rhett and Nora Roberts, and Archer Roberts, along with two great-grandchildren on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Waldo Roberts; and his son, Mitch Roberts.
Kenny will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his years of service to education, his competitive spirit, and his love of the outdoors.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Delaney Funeral Home in Marceline. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial donations to the National Wild Turkey Federation or Quail Unlimited may be left at or mailed to Delaney Funeral Home, 1720 N. Missouri Ave. Marceline, MO 64658.
