George W. Roat, 91, of Mercer, died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in his home.      He was born Sept. 25, 1920, in Chicago, son of the late George and Sadie (Langdon) Roat, and graduated from Tilden High Sch ool there in 1938. He worked as an engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad from Oct. 11, 1940, until his retirement on Nov. 11, 1981. He also served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the USS Independence during World War II, and was honorably discharged as an aviation machinist's mate second class on Oct. 9, 1945. He moved to Mercer following his retirement in 1981.      George was a member of the Mercer-Manitowish Waters American Legion Post 424. He enjoyed golf, playing cards, and hunting and fishing in his younger years. He especially loved being in the Northwoods. He was a dedicated husband and father who loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.      On July 11, 1942, George was married to the former Mabel O'Gorman at St. Ethel Rita Catholic Church in Chicago. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2006.      Surviving are five sons, George (Pat), Orland Park, Ill., Thomas (Joanna), New Lenox, Ill., Timothy, Tinley Park, Ill., Theodore (Lisa), Lockport, Ill., and Michael (Meredith), New Lenox; four daughters, Mary Ann (Patrick) LaBarbera, Suwanee, Ga., Dolores Kelley (Mike), Des Plaines, Ill., Patricia Roat, Palos Heights, Ill., and Barbara (Scott) Olinski, Homer Township, Ill.; 23 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.     Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Genevieve McKendrick.     Per George's wishes, cremation has taken place.     Private services will be held for immediate family and friends at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Homer Glen, Ill.     In lieu of flowers, donations in George's name may be given to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, Ill. 60421.     George's obituary may be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.     Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, Mich.