Richard Word Roberson

Lt. Col. Richard Word Roberson, U.S. Army (Ret.), died on Saturday, January 30, 2016 in Austin, Texas. He was born October 31, 1936 in Terrell, Texas to Ben and Elna Abernethy Roberson. He had resided in the Austin area since 2007.

He was a graduate of Texas A&M and received his military commission from that school. He entered the U.S. Army in 1958 and served on active duty until 1980. Word served two tours of duty in Vietnam and his awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (OLC), Air Medal (OLC), and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver and Bronze Stars. Following military service, he was employed by SRA International Corp until 1998. In Austin, he served on the Vestry of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church.

Survivors include his wife of thirty years, Marian Holbrook Roberson of TX; three children from his first marriage to Alice Hawksworth, Laura L. Roberson and husband, Alex Thuronyi of MD; William R. Roberson of MD; and David W. Roberson and wife Hilary of TX. Other survivors include one brother, Wayne Roberson of TN; three grandsons, Peter R. Thuronyi of MD, Richard W. Roberson of TX, and Shane T. Roberson of TX; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 at St Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 8724 Travis Hills Dr., Austin, TX, 78735. Interment will be at 1:45 P.M., Friday, February 26, 2016 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, 78209.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions in Word’s memory to be made to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 8724 Travis Hills Dr., Austin, TX, 78735.