Slatington High School - Reflections Yearbook (Slatington, PA)

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Mr. Richard Smith, Driver Training-Athletic Director Mr. Richard Snell, Civics Mr. James Waite, Physical Education- Health Mr. Frank Trettel Industrial Arts

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Mr. Richard Jones, English Mr. Robert Mack, Mathematics Mr. Marvin Miller, Cultures Mr. Rodney Mummey, Mathematics

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OUR MAN FOR ALL REASONS Our Man, Mr. Owen “Truck” Roberts, is an individual, a sportsman, a teacher, and a friend. Mr. Roberts was born March 14, 1925, to John and Martha Roberts of 304 Williams Street, Slatington. As a youngster, he attended the Roosevelt Elementary School, and it was here in the sixth grade that he received his lasting nickname, TRUCK, because it was said he ran “like an old ice truck.” In high school he served as president of the 1942 graduating class and was also elected “best-natured, most popular, and class comedian.” As a sportsman he earned his letters in bas- ketball and football, actively participating in each for four years. His yearbook listed his hobby as fishing and to this day he is an avid fisherman and spends hours tying flies. Between graduation from high school and enrollment in college, Truck served three years in the U.S. Navy, He married his high school sweetheart, Marie “Mick” Neff, on November 25, 1948. Beginning at Ursinus then transfer- ring to Kutztown, Mr. Roberts received his teaching certificate from Kutztown State Col- lege in 1950. On November 6, 1954, his first child, Linda Jane, was born; and on June 29, 1958, he welcomed his son, John Michael. Graduate courses at Lehigh University fur- thered his education and in 1970 he received his Master’s Degree from Muhlenberg College. After his graduation front Kutztown, Truck returned to Slatington, where he became a ju- nior-high history teacher. His popularity with his students was instantaneous. He was a friend. They could relate to this man who was honest, dedicated, and sincere. His “gift for gab”, sharp wit, and subtle humor sparked an interest in history for hundreds of students who attended his classes. Word of his ability to captivate an audience soon spread farther than the classroom and he became a popular public speaker. Not only did he speak to teach and entertain, but also he spoke to serve his community. He spoke many years as a Slatington borough councilman. Al- ways interested in community affairs, he also helped to initiate the Slatington Library. We, the Slatington High School Qass of 1974, are proud to honor Mr. Owen “Truck” Roberts, “our man for all reasons.”