Gayland W. Roberts

He graduated from Logan High School before attending Eastern New Mexico University, where he met the love of his life, Maidalyn McGaha. They married on September 7, 1958, then loved each other for more than 64 years. After their marriage, Gayland attended the University of Arkansas, where he received a Master’s Degree.

Before graduate school, Gayland worked as a math teacher at Dumas ISD, and a math teacher and coach at Channing ISD. After graduate school, Gayland started a 25-year career at New Mexico Junior College, where he filled several roles including Professor of Math and Computer Science, Registrar, and Director of the Evening College. After retiring from NMJC, Gayland served as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Chairman of the Mathematics Department at York College in Nebraska, and later as a math teacher at Azle High School.

Gayland was a member of the Chaparral Kiwanis Club in Hobbs, New Mexico, and was a faithful member of a local Church of Christ everywhere he lived, always serving in some capacity, such as teaching and shepherding. Most recently he served as leader of the 39ers group at Keller Church of Christ, where he planned many trips and social activities. Gayland loved to travel with groups and share many adventures.

In addition to travel, Gayland enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and activities during his life, including basketball, distance running (including marathons), and making pottery. As a devoted father of three daughters, he coached girls’ softball where he mentored many young athletes through the years who still remember him fondly today as an important influence on their lives. He loved to have fun and joke around, and enjoyed entertaining others through storytelling, joke telling, and performing comedy sketches. His love of travel and people took him to many destinations through a variety of formats, including cruises, mission trips, and overseas teaching assignments.

Gayland was preceded in death by his parents Floyd Roberts and Irene Hale Roberts. He is survived by his wife Maidalyn Roberts, sister Nelda Mayes and her husband Ron Mayes, daughter Kelly Conway and her husband Brian Conway, daughter Karen Gowing and her husband Gil Gowing, daughter Karol Westbrook and her husband Paul Westbrook, and four grandchildren: Samuel Westbrook, Benton Westbrook, Kara Conway, and Langston Westbrook. All of these family members were truly special to Gayland, and he made each one feel special and loved. His passion for life and being with family and friends was contagious and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 10am to 11am at Keller Church of Christ, located at 205 S Elm St, Keller, TX 76248.

A Funeral service will take place at 11am also at Keller Church of Christ, located at 205 S Elm St, Keller, TX 76248. Burial will ensue in the Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park, located at 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial contribution in Gayland's name to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home by clicking the link below.