Leonard William Roberts

Leonard William Roberts, 86, in the home that he shared with his beloved wife of over 65 years, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord during the early hours of Friday, June 07, 2013, after a brave battle with cancer. He will be remembered, first, as a gentle man, and, always, as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, son-in-law, and friend. He will be missed. Leonard was born on February 17, 1927, in Waco, Texas, to the loving union of Emmett Floyd Roberts and Lenora Catherine Williams Roberts and was the second born of four sons, Leonard enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in February 15, 1947, during World War II, and attained the rank of Pharmacist Mate Third Class. His duties included serving on the U.S. Navy Hospital Ship U.S.S. Benevolence prior to his honorable discharge on October 11, 1946. Ten months later, having returned to his hometown of Waco, he married the love of his life, the former Betty Louise Fluke, the girl next door, on August 29, 1947 The newlyweds soon moved to Pasadena, Texas, to begin their journey through life. At age 22 , Leonard began his long and successful career with the Shell Chemical Corporation as a general laborer, and retired in 1986, as a Department Supervisor. While in Pasadena, he and Betty were blessed with three wonderful children, Bill, Jim, and Cathy, all of whom would be near to him, physically and emotionally, in his final days. Leonard and his family were members of the Watters Road Church of Christ, where Leonard served as a Deacon. He and his sons were also involved in scouting, where he served as an adult leader and mentor of many young men. On his retirement from Shell, Leonard and Betty move to Fulshear, Texas, to be close to his brothers, and close to where he would later help to relocate his aging mother-in-law and father-in-law, to be nearby. While in Fulshear, he and Betty were faithful members of the Graeber Road Church of Christ, where he was a helper and handyman for many. Children and adults in church soon learned that Leonard could always be counted on for a peppermint, and he loved sharing those with the kids that sought him out. He was Christian man and an example to his family, even to the end. His last message for his family: "There is a great life after death; so, live this life so that we can be together again." Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, infant baby sister Dorothy Roberts and one brother, Howard Roberts. He is survived by brother Wayne Roberts, of Fort Bend County, and sister-in-law Jennette, as well as brother James Jamie Roberts, former Mayor of Fulshear, and sister-in- law Martha, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. His is also survived by his beloved wife Betty, their three children, and the legacy of their lives together: son, Albert William Bill Roberts and daughter-in-law Gail of Bismarck, Arkansas; son, James Jim Steven Roberts and daughter-in-law Alesia of Katy, Texas; and, daughter Catherine Sue Roberts Walker, and son-in-law Carl Walker of Katy, Texas. Leonard is also survived by six loving grandchildren: through Bill, Robby Breshears and Christy Roberts of Deer Park, Texas; through Jim, Ryan and Travis Roberts, of Katy, Texas; and, through Cathy, Jason wife, Nichole of New Augusta, Mississippi, and Holly Walker, of Katy, Texas. Leonard also proudly doted over five great-grandchildren, Presley, Ryan, Kenton, Harmony, and Brody. He will also be missed by his sister-in-law, Von Fluke, of Pasadena, Texas, niece Gena Fluke Kone of Deer Park, nephew Randy Fluke of Beaumont, Texas, and their respective spouses and children. The family extends its loving gratitude to the numerous friends and neighbors for their thoughts, prayers and support, as well as for his care-givers that were so helpful. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Leonard's name and memory may be made to the Graeber Road Church of Christ, at 1910 Graeber Road, Rosenburg, Texas 77471. Visitation will take place at 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2013, at the Chapel of the Davis Greenlawn Cemetery and Funeral Chapel, 3900 B F Terry, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. The funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 2013, at the same location.

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Leonard William Roberts

February 17, 1927 - June 7, 2013