Douglas Beedle Roberts Sr.

Former Michigan Treasurer Douglas Roberts, a matchless public servant who played a critical role for nearly four decades in improving Michigan’s fiscal and economic positions, died on July 11, 2024 due to pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

Roberts’ influence on state government was wide. He was twice Michigan’s treasurer under former Governor John Engler. He also served as deputy budget director for former Governors William Milliken and Jim Blanchard, was the state’s director of Michigan’s Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis, was deputy state school superintendent, was the very first Michigan State Employer, was executive director of the Senate Fiscal Agency. After retiring from active state employment, he was chair of the State Tax Commission. He also served an eight-year term on the Board of Trustees for Northern Michigan University and chaired the audit committee for Willis Corporation. After retiring from the state he was director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at MSU for 15 years.

While best known as an economist and finance expert, Roberts was also a Michigan State University sports fan, an avid golfer, someone who loved sushi, and a Civil War buff. He started his professional life on the duck pin bowling circuit until he sought more secure employment. Surprisingly, he was also extremely fond of the Broadway show and movie, “Mamma Mia.”

Roberts was born October 9, 1947, in Homestead, Pennsylvania, to Emory and Betty Roberts. He grew up in Maryland where his father was a Secret Service agent, protecting five presidents. Emory Roberts was the Secret Service Agent in charge of the detail to protect President Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. The Roberts household is a treasure trove of American history, with photographs of his father Emory standing behind President Dwight Eisenhower and French President Charles DeGaulle during a summit, of him defending then Vice President Richard Nixon during anti-American demonstrations in Latin America, of him with President John Kennedy and Astronaut John Glenn.

Doug married his high school sweetheart Joan Hornbeck in 1969 as he finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland. The two moved to East Lansing so Doug could pursue his doctorate in Economics, writing his dissertation on Michigan’s tax system.

The couple had two children Douglas Jr. and John. One of his great prides was that his sons followed their grandfather and him in public service: Doug Jr. with the House of Representatives (he is now with Consumers Energy) and John as a member of former President George W. Bush’s administration and later Michigan’s Budget Director (he is now with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan).

Joan Roberts died in 2003. Roberts later married Bobbie McKennon, where he welcomed her sons and her grandchildren as his own. Bobbie Roberts died in 2017.

His favorite places to travel were Italy and the beautiful state of Hawaii, and he enjoyed sharing these loves with his family. He was a generous soul, who always picked up the check when out, or enjoyed hosting parties at his home. It was his greatest joy to be around his friends and family.

Mr. Roberts was predeceased by his parents as well as wives Joan and Bobbie Roberts. He is survived by his brother Steve, his sons Douglas Jr (Rebecca) and John (Kerry), as well as his stepsons Ryan McKennon (Jaime) and Patrick McKennon (Jamie), his grandchildren Emory, Mitchell and Henry Roberts and Alex, Ben, Raegan, and Christopher McKennon. Doug is also survived by his dear friend Patricia Cuza of Hattiesburg, MS.

A private service is being held at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home.

The family is planning a Memorial Service for Friday, August 2 at 1pm. The event will be held at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University, everyone who knew Doug is welcome.

In memory of Doug the family is accepting donations to Northern Michigan University Foundation, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.