What happened to Lulu Roman’s son Justin Collin Roman? Tragedy explored as comedian dies 7 years after son’s passing

Bertha Louise Hable, better known as Lulu Roman, passed away on Wednesday, April 23. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hee Haw actress died in Bellingham, Washington, and her death was confirmed by her son, Damon.

The actress-comedian-singer, who was 78 at the time of her passing, is preceded in death by her other son, Justin Collin Roman. Justin passed away more than seven years ago, in October 2017, after suffering a massive heart attack. The Touched by an Angel actress was traveling with her assistant, Kim Tygart, to Branson, Missouri, when she heard the news.

Justin Collin Roman, a Dallas native, was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. He was an entrepreneur and co-owner of Bacon Nation, a food truck based in Nashville, Tennessee. The “Best Food Trucks TN” Facebook page paid tribute to Lulu Roman’s son after his sudden passing at 41.

“We are saddened to report that Justin Roman, co-owner of Bacon Nation, passed away this week. A longtime member of NFTA, he most recently served as treasurer and board member. Justin was an constant advocate for the Nashville street food community, and he was a kindhearted soul who will be greatly missed.”

The post added,

“Food Thursdays was organized by Justin, and that event will proceed as planned this week. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Justin's family to cover funeral costs. We ask you to join us in keeping the Justin's family and the Bacon Nation team in your thoughts.”

On November 3, 2017, a funeral was held in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Justin was survived by his mother, Lulu Roman; brother, Damon Roman; sisters, Jolinda Kerr and Amber Tillett; and stepmother, Bobbie Toman.

Friendship with country music icon Buck Owens got Lulu Roman her Hee Haw gig

According to THR, Bertha Louise Hable was born in May 1946 and grew up at a Dallas-based Baptist facility among other orphans. The actress-singer had a thyroid condition, which caused her to gain weight, and ended up becoming one of the reasons behind casting her on Hee Haw.

Lulu, who started as a comedian at nightclubs in Dallas during the '60s, became friends with Buck Owens, who later co-hosted the CBS country comedy variety show. Lulu Roman reflected upon her friendship with Owens in a 2020 interview with Florida Weekly and said,

“We kinda became good friends. He liked my sense of humor. He told me once that he’d just sit and observe me. I said, ‘Lord have mercy!’ He said it was real interesting: ‘You’re a master at quick wit.’ I wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but I got hold of it later.”

Last year, Lulu Roman recounted during a conversation with News Channel 5 Nashville how Buck Owens got her a role on Hee Haw,

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“They needed one boy next door, one fat dumb man, one fat dumb woman. Buck said, 'I got your girl! She's in Dallas!”

Owing to Hee Haw’s success, Roman also got nationwide recognition. The variety show did go on a brief hiatus but returned and ran until the mid-’90s, with Lulu being a part of it.

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