For 44 years, Paul Roberts gave his time, energy, and dedication to UPS, building a career that became an important part of his life. To his family, however, he was much more than a longtime employee. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, man of faith, and someone remembered for his warmth, humor, and remarkable work ethic.
Roberts, 63, died Friday night after being struck by a vehicle near the UPS Customer Care Center in Earth City, Missouri. St. Louis County police responded at approximately 9 p.m. and found Roberts after the collision. Police said the driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators.
The tragedy came just 13 days before Roberts was scheduled to retire following 44 years with UPS. His sister, Donna Schraer, said he loved his job and had spent his career growing from package handling to driving tractor-trailers. She also remembered how seriously he took his work and how willingly he helped train younger employees.
Roberts had married his wife six months before his death after the couple had been together for 37 years. He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
Teamsters Local 688 confirmed Roberts was a union member and expressed its commitment to workplace safety. UPS also offered condolences while directing questions about the investigation to authorities.
Details surrounding the collision remain under investigation. His family remembers him as a hardworking family man who understood that while a job matters, family matters even more.
Paul Roberts leaves behind a legacy measured not only in 44 years of service, but in the lives he touched along the way.