By John Dobberstein, Editor
Gene Roberts, a longtime professor and U.S. veteran who presided as commander over the American Legion Post in Broken Arrow for the past 8 years, passed away and was buried with honors in a graveside service Friday.
Roberts, 87, died at his home Jan. 11 after a brief illness. He was laid to rest at Park Grove Cemetery in Broken Arrow next to his wife, Avanelle, who preceded him in death last May.
Roberts was born Oct. 5, 1937 to A.A. “Shim” and Doris (Bebrick) Roberts in Big Cabin, where he spent his childhood and graduated from high school. There he made many lifelong friends and met and married Avanelle (Comer) Roberts, his wife of 67 years.
He was an Air Force Reservist, serving during the Vietnam War era. Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in drafting and design from Northeastern State University, moved with his wife to Tulsa and began his career.
He quickly moved into quality control management positions and eventually settled in Broken Arrow, while also serving as an adjunct professor through much of that time.
Family said Gene enjoyed teaching so much that he obtained a graduate degree at the age of 50 and finished his career as a full-time professor at NSU in Broken Arrow.
He also achieved his lifelong dream of flying when he obtained his private pilot’s license in his early 50s and he enjoyed flying as a hobby for several years.
After his professional retirement Roberts became an active member of the American Legion, volunteering countless hours and developing treasured friendships along the way, his family said.
His dedication to veterans led to his election as Commander of American Legion Post 110 in Broken Arrow, a position he proudly held from 2019 until his death.
Roberts was an active member of and served in various capacities within the Southern Baptist church throughout his lifetime. He was secure in his faith and was quick to share it with others, always including how richly God had blessed his life, family members said.
“He counted his wife and family his biggest blessings and he played an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His love for them and pride in them knew no bounds,” his family said. Gene’s wife passed away last May.
Roberts is survived by his son, Bruce, daughter Kristi Netherland and husband Lee of Broken Arrow; grandson Steven Snodgrass and wife Julieanne Clark of Oakland, Calif.; granddaughter Dr. Kristin Matthews; son-in-law Zach Matthews of Tulsa; grandson Royce Roberts of Broken Arrow and granddaughter Victoria Ewing and husband, Derrick, and great grandson, Dawson Ewing of Broken Arrow; his sister, Anita Emerson of Tulsa; and extended family, friends, neighbors and associates.
“Gene leaves behind a huge legacy of love, faith, dedication, education, hard work, service, and patriotism with some humor sprinkled into it all, that will endure for generations to come,” his family said.
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