Joseph Mark Roberts, 78, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Marshall County Hospital.
Mark was born on January 12, 1947, in Benton, Kentucky, to the late R. Van Roberts and Beulah Fowler Roberts. He was a proud graduate of Benton High School’s class of 1965. Mark went on to attend college at Murray State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and became one of the founding members of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. During the latter part of his high school and college years, Mark gained an interest in theater with notable performances in Bardstown, Kentucky, for The Stephen Foster Story “My Old Kentucky Home” and performances at Kenlake State Park for “Stars In My Crown.”
From a young age, Mark was a car enthusiast at heart, a passion that had been passed down to him from his father. His love for cars eventually transformed into a career in the auto industry, getting his start as a car salesman for Roberts Pontiac Oldsmobile. For many years to follow, he continued his career in the auto industry, going on to work for Kinsey-Poe GMC Oldsmobile, Kinsey-Morris GMC Oldsmobile, and eventually Roberts of Benton, Inc. Even though Mark loved cars from all different makes and models, he was particularly fond of Studebakers, Pontiacs, and Jeeps. His expertise and wealth of knowledge led those who knew him to refer to him as a “Studebaker Encyclopedia.”
Around 1990, Mark’s other passion for business and anything finance-related led him to pursue his career in banking, going to work for CFSB, formerly the Bank of Benton. His keen business sense and natural charm led to his start as a loan officer for the bank, and he soon went on to spend many years working as a licensed real estate appraiser, where he formed multiple long-lasting friendships with many of his coworkers. Mark never hesitated to share his wisdom with others around him. Among some of his favorite quotes about business that his friends and family remember him saying were "beware of non income producing assets", "cost is not a value indicator", and "never pay retail for anything." More than anything else, he was a man of faith and family. Mark loved the Lord and was a cherished member of Three Crosses Church in Benton.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Dorgan Roberts; two daughters, Lauren Elizabeth Dowell (Darcy) of Louisville and Deborah Glovier of Benton; his son, Jayson Roberts (Annessa) of Benton; two sisters, Cheryl Scull of New York and Amy Moffitt of North Carolina; two brothers, Lowell Roberts (Rayna) of Paducah and John Roberts (Char) of Benton; four grandchildren, Annie Barnett (Cole), Joseph Roberts, Emma Roberts, and Victoria Wolff; his sister-in-law, Jane Roberts; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Wendell Roberts; and his parents, R. Van Roberts and Beulah Folwer Roberts.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to First Missionary Baptist Church, 1280 Riley Road, Benton, KY 42025, or Three Crosses Church, 845 US HWY 641 Spur, Benton, KY 42025.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, Kentucky 42025.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Mark's Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com
