JONESBORO — The Honorable Gene Roebuck,

85, of Jonesboro died Monday, March 8, 2021, at the NEA Medical Center. He was born in Gould, Ark., to C.C. and Ollie Roebuck on May 13, 1935.

He moved to Jonesboro in 1961, moving here from Trumann. He was the owner/operator of Gene Roebuck Insurance Agency. He was a founding member of Grace Missionary Baptist Church. He served his country for over 30 years in the Army retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He served in Korea and in Vietnam.

He was a former state senator and served two terms in the Arkansas Senate District 29. He served as chair of the Legislative Audit and held numerous vice chair positions, including vice chair of the Education Committee, Children and Youth Committee, Public Transportation, Aging, and Legislative Affairs Committee. He also served on the Arkansas Early Childhood Development Advisory Board. He was a candidate for the Arkansas State House of Representatives for District 74, in 2002 and a candidate for the Arkansas Senate District 21 seat in 2014.

He played football as a guard and a tackle for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1957 and 1958. From 1960 until 1966 he was the head football coach at Trumann, then moved to Jonesboro as the head coach.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy; son Dr. Rusty Roebuck, granddaughter Bethany Etheridge; and sister Bettye Bratton.

Survivors include son Randy Roebuck and wife Kelly of Bentonville, Ark.; daughter-in-law Gwen Roebuck of Cave City; brothers Dr. Tommy Roebuck of Arkadelphia, Ark., Carl Roebuck of Conway and John Roebuck of Ruston, La.; sister Lynda White of Hot Springs; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and special caregiver Angie Martin.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2021, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Ken Stallings and Brandon Wright officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will be private with Gene McDaniel, Larry Catt, Daniel Catt, Jacob Catt, Stuart Etheridge, and Alex Roebuck serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Kim McDaniel, Tyler Ringo and Tyler Asberry. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. Friday, until service time.

All covid-19 precautions will be observed and facemasks are required. To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com. For lasting memorials, please consider Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 3930 Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Ark., 72401.