Earl Keith Roberts

Earl Keith Roberts was born on the 3rd of August 1928, in Newton. Kansas and died at home in Houston, on Monday, the 20th of August 2018. He is survived by his wife, Michele N. O’Brien, his brother, Allen Dale Roberts, and his brother’s loving children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his children, Diane Kathleen Roberts and Gary P. Roberts, (Diane died as a result of a felony-murder in 1976; Gary Roberts died in 2017.)

Earl entered the U.S. Marine Air Corps, and was assigned to the famous VMF 214 Blacksheep Squadron: he considered that a turning point in his life. He was stationed aboard various aircraft carriers in the Pacific and South China Seas and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and the Victory Medal. Upon returning to the United States he continued his studies at Kansas State University and received a degree in Business Administration. While at KSU he played for the Wildcats and was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity.

Following graduation, Earl became employed with Continental Oil Company (CONOCO) and progressed through various positions, working in Dubai, Libya, London, New York and Houston. He assisted in directing CONOCO’s investment in starting Vail Colorado Ski Development with other investors. While working at CONOCO, Earl attended Harvard Business School and received his MBA degree.

Earl’s goal to become an “independent oilman” was fostered by his grandfather, already a Kansas oil man. Upon leaving CONOCO, Earl formed Roberts Oil & Gas, Inc. (ROGI) whose assets were primarily in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Colorado. One of his proudest achievements was taking ROGI public in 1980. He served as President and Chairman for over 25 years. Upon leaving ROGI he continued actively working in the oil and gas business and formed several other independent exploration companies and global marketing operations.

Whether it was ambling the streets of Florence, Italy or Vail, Colorado or diving in Honduras, Earl was determined to live life to the fullest. He was an avid snow skier, scuba diver, brown belt in Tai Kwon Do Karate and aggressively played tennis and golf all over the world. He was a member of the International Wine and Food Society, Houston Racquet Club, Houstonian Health Club, Black Hawk County Club (formerly Houstonian Golf Club) and Vail Athletic Club, among other organizations.

Earl’s family wishes to thank: Memorial Hermann Home Health, Memorial Hermann Hospice, and caregivers with S. Gerber & Associates, Inc, especially Thedies Broussard, Suzana Deng, Dorothy Alfred and Janie Andress for their professionalism in making Earl’s final days more comfortable.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 30th of August, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the parlor.

In lieu of customary remembrance, memorial contributions may be directed to the Houston Human Society, 14700 Almeda Road, Houston, Texas 77053.