Mike Henry Roberts

Mike Henry Roberts passed away on May 18th, 2016 in Austin, Texas at the age of 84. Born on November 22nd, 1931 to Elmo Murray and Mabel Roberts in Nacogdoches, Texas he grew up in San Angelo where his lifelong passion for football began when he played for the San Angelo Bobcats. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1953 with a business degree and remained a passionate supporter of the Texas Longhorns football team until the end. While at UT Mike was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where lifelong memories and friends were made. After serving in the U.S. Air Force he worked briefly for Shell Oil in Tulsa, and then moved to Midland, Texas where he began a career of almost 60 years as an Independent Petroleum Landman.

Known by many as "The Old Soldier" he will be most remembered for his charismatic wit and charm. He enjoyed life fully, some of his best times were spent boating on Lake Amistad chewing on a cigar and getting a sunburn, before a quail and cabrito dinner at Ma Crosby's in "Villa Acuña". He was known to spin a great yarn and had more sayings than Sinatra but most of all he was totally dedicated to his friends and family. He was a loving father and true confidant to his children, sharing wisdom, humor and love as they grew older. He was a lifelong member of the Independent Landman Association and was active in the field working until 82 years old.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Raney Ritter Roberts, with whom they shared many adventures and laughs together, his children, Julie Roberts Wilkinson and husband Warren of San Antonio, Texas , Michael Roberts and wife Patricia of Larchmont New York , Angie Roberts Sandefer of Austin, Texas and Ty Roberts and wife Carolina Peredo of Austin, Texas. In addition, he was a beloved Poppa Mike and Pops to his five grandchildren, Michaela and Madeleine Roberts, Taite Sandefer and Quino "Miguelito" and Andina Roberts.

The family wishes to thank Colby Short, Amy Zachman, Stephanie Butler, Emmanuel Keshi, Anthony Obidu, Joe Kuchawo and the rest of the staff at Brookdale Lakeway for their incredible compassion and care shown during the last year. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr. Thomas Hill for the care and friendship over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The Texas Biomedical Research Institute, address is PO Box 760549 San Antonio, Texas 78245. Attention: Worth/Parkinson Project or online at www.txbiomed.org/ .

Honorary pallbearers are Bernard Beck, JB Haralson, Ed Hodges, Trey Smith, Robert Tucker, George Tucker and Frank Welch. Graveside services are set for Tuesday, May 24th at 10:30am at the Austin Memorial Park Cemetery where our lifelong family friend Reverend Dana Colley Corsello will officiate.