Haydn Vaughn Roberts of Plano, Texas passed away on August 3, 2018 at the age of 93. He was born on September 17, 1924 to Joseph and Ceridwen (Evans) Roberts in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Haydn proudly volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army Air Corps in Europe during World War II. He claimed to have served on permanent K.P. duty after blowing up the officers’ latrine. After the war, Haydn went to work for American Airlines. While he was training in Tulsa, Oklahoma he earned the nickname “Rosie” for his playful and friendly demeanor. The nickname stuck with him throughout his life.
Haydn married Joyce Hughes, an American Airlines flight attendant, in 1962 in Nashville, Tennessee. They were a perfect match because Haydn loved a good meal and Joyce loved to cook. They settled in Dallas where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Libby.
Haydn was not what might be considered a “normal” dad. With his work schedule he was home a lot more than other fathers. He packed sardines in the girls’ lunches, dressed like Mr. Clean, and supervised the large number of kids that always seemed to make their way into the Roberts’ backyard. He took his grandkids to Friday movie matinees, loved to be outside and always had a project going in one of Joyce’s gardens or in the garage.
He was an original who marched to the beat of his own drum. Haydn was the life of the party and there was rarely a dull moment when he was around. He loved to “pull your leg” and no one was safe from his jokes. His individuality translated to his wardrobe as he loved bright colors, patterns, hats and anything that was on sale. Haydn rarely made plans or could stick to a schedule, resulting in many last-minute vacations with interesting twists that somehow always worked out fine. He loved to take road trips and see “the scenery” and would have multiple maps on hand with Joyce serving as his reluctant navigator. To Rosie life was one grand adventure.
He was funny, gruff, stubborn and somehow managed to be both thrifty and generous. Haydn was a good man and a loyal friend. He will be sorely missed.
Haydn is survived by his daughters, Lisa Emmons and husband, Steve of Carrollton, Texas and Libby Camp of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Rebecca Emmons and husband, Tomas Echiburu, Sarah Emmons Hobizal and husband, David, Joe Emmons and wife, Stevie and Vaughn Camp; great-grandchildren, Samuel Oddo Emmons and Pastor Echiburu Emmons; and loving family and friends. Haydn was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce and his parents.
A graveside service will be held on September 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Valley View, Texas.