Wayne Roberts

Wayne Thomas Roberts, 76, of Burton lost his year-long battle with cancer at his residence on June 29, 2013. Wayne was born December 14, 1936 in Houston, Texas, the son of Drew Thomas and Vivian Smith Roberts. He attended St. John''s in Houston, St. Stephen''s in Austin and graduated high school in 1955 from Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio. He met the love of his life, Virginia Sommers and they married on March 17, 1960 in Wallis, Texas at the residence of his in-laws, Willie Bill and Stella Ted Sommers. In the late 1950s, Wayne loved building and racing dragsters. He was a lifetime member of the National Street Rod Association. He also owned Houston Rod and Custom Shop where he was able to pursue his love of fast cars and met many life-long friends. After marrying Virginia, they lived in Simonton where he farmed and owned American Quarter Horses that were trained and shown by Jim Reno. Wayne was a strong supporter and lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Wayne also had many business interests in the Houston area from 1968 to the present through his company, WTR Properties. His interests included Brookhollow Hilton, the Anchorage Restaurant, the Post Oak Business Complex, North Park Properties and several other successful investments. They moved their family to Burton in January of 1969 and have resided on the same acreage since that time. Wayne and Virginia found their niche in this small community by becoming actively involved in church and school activities. They made many friends over the years and have truly enjoyed working to support their community. Wayne, who had played football in high school, began to film all the Burton Panther football games. It did not take long and Wayne was hooked on the Burton Panthers, and became a life-long supporter of Burton ISD. He and Virginia loved transporting their children and friends to many FHA and Beta Club conventions, as well as various other school functions. Wayne also supported the Burton Independent School District by serving as a School Board member from 1971 to 1983. Wayne''s involvement went beyond the school. He served several terms on the Church Council of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg. He was always happy to help out when approached by Lutheran Social Services for donations to a new Lutheran facility in Brenham – now known as Kruse Village. Wayne and Virginia also donated property to the city of Burton so that Little League fields could be built for the youth of the Burton community. The Burton Park Project, the organization which maintains the fields and park, was a special project for Wayne. Wayne also enjoyed many hobbies. He loved to operate heavy equipment – dozers, motor graders, etc. He was an avid hunter and thoroughly enjoyed spending time at his beloved ranch in South Texas. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the Texas State Rifle Association. He was also a member of Texas Wildlife Association and supported youth hunts in Texas through TWA. He never fell out of love with cars and over the years owned many classics. His first love, and priority, however was always his family. As a young family, many summers were spent in Colorado where they had a cabin in the mountains. There were many family road trips to various spots in the states. In later years, his 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild kept him busy. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Virginia Sommers Roberts. His children – Vivian and husband, Clifford Dawson; Terri and husband, Keith Smith; and Glenn Thomas Roberts and wife, Deynene. His 10 grandchildren – Meredith Dawson Navarette and husband, Alonso; Taylor Wayne Dawson; Paige Hunter Dawson; Kendall Leeann Smith; Trevor Roberts Smith; Blaire Elisabeth Smith; Sidney Lynn Smith; Garrison Thomas Roberts and wife, Megan; Dalton Kayne Roberts; Haydon Drew Roberts; and great-grandson, Cash Thomas Roberts. He is also survived by Sister-in-law - Carole and husband, Leroy Valicek of Wallis, Texas, one aunt, Corine Roberts of Kirbyville, Texas, numerous nieces and cousins, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, his father, and step-mother, Myrle Palmer Roberts, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 14 from 5-7pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 15 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg in Burton, Texas at 11am with Pastor Denise Seymour officiating. Memorials can be made to The Burton Park Project at P.O. Box 455, Burton, Texas 77835, St. Paul of Rehburg at 4450 FM 1948 N, Burton, Texas 77835 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas, www.memorialoakschapel.com.