In Memoriam: Stretch Roberson

In Memoriam: Stretch Roberson
October 6, 2015

The University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Arden E. "Stretch" Roberson, BSEd '49, H of F '75, who passed away on Saturday evening, Oct. 3, 2015 at Richland Manor Nursing Home in Bluffton, Ohio.

A U.S. Navy Veteran, Roberson served in World War II from 1944-46 before graduating from Ohio Northern University in 1949 with a degree in health and physical education. He later earned a Master of Science in education from Kent State University.

After graduating from ONU, Roberson started the football program at Huron High School in 1949, and from 1950-55, he coached football, basketball and track in Mentor, Ohio. From 1956-57, he coached football and track at Massillon High School, and from 1958-59, he coached football, basketball and track at Baldwin-Wallace.

Roberson returned to ONU in 1960 as an associate professor of health and education and the head football coach. He led the Polar Bear football team until 1969. After his coaching career, he continued serving the University as an associate professor of health and education until his retirement in 1984.

Roberson was inducted into Ohio Northern's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1976 and was a proud member of the "N" Men's Alumni Association, for which he served on the Board of Directors. In 2008, Roberson was named associate professor emeritus.In 2004, Dial-Roberson Stadium opened on ONU's campus, named in part for Roberson.

After his retirement from ONU, Roberson remained active with all aspects of the University and the village of Ada, particularly the sports programs. His dear wife, Fran, preceded him in death in 2000. His presence will be dearly missed on campus.

Visitation will be at the Hanson-Neely Funeral Home in Ada on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday, Oct. 8., from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will be at Hanson-Neely on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Ohio Northern University or St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Ada. A complete obituary can be found at www.hansonneely.com.

Thank you for keeping Roberson's son and daughter, Michael Roberson, BA '77, and Terry (Roberson) Monroy, BA '81, and their families in your thoughts and prayers at this time.