Shaylon Erik Darnell Roberts

Shaylon Erik Darnell Roberts was born in Austin, Texas to Ronnie and La Tasha Roberts on August 10, 2000. He was the second youngest of 9 siblings. Even as a young child, Shaylon was wise beyond his years. He would stand up for others - especially his family. He would have conversations with adults that made them think about themselves and he grew to be an empathic listener. He refused to be an ‘NPC’ (non player character) in life meaning he valued thinking and communication. He cared about his place in the world and with his family.

Shaylon was 10 lbs. when he was born and grew to be 6'4 300 lbs. Despite his stature he was actually targeted by bullies in school. However, he knew his strength and restrained himself from reacting negatively. By middle school he was using his natural abilities to play football. He was part of the Elite 8 that took Hendrickson High School to the fourth round of playoffs - the furthest they have been in team history.

He graduated from Hendrickson High School in 2019. Following graduation, Shaylon received a football scholarship to Kilgore College - where he received an Associates Degree in Computer Science. To continue his football career, he played for Butler Community College in Kansas. He took the Grizzlies to the semi-final playoffs, achieving First Team Offensive Player for the conference. To play at the next level he accepted another football scholarship to Missouri State University. After leaving Missouri State, he came home. He decided it was time to use his college education, therefore, he worked as a mentor/tutor for a local school district.

Shaylon enjoyed playing football and chess. He was often described as a ‘gentle giant’. He had a quiet and mild spirit with a big heart who would do anything when called upon for his family and friends.

Shaylon is survived by his parents, Ronnie and LaTasha Roberts, his brothers - Chris, Shelton (Madison), and Cedric, his sisters - Latoya, Cherelle, Sierra, and Brittany, his grandparents - Hamon (Janet) Barlow and Carolyn Wilson, his aunts - Lakeisha Barlow, Alexis Foster, Gloria (Edward) Thompson, and Dameka Wright (Marciel Macy) and his uncles - Hamon Lamont (Amey) and Daniel Barlow, Robert (Manya) and Jered (Sandy) Foster.

He attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at a young age where he had the privilege of reading the Bible to the congregation. He expressed hope of a future paradise. (Revelations 21:3,4) He understood that when we die we are not in pain or distress but in a condition like a peaceful sleep (Ecclesiastes 9:5; Mark 5:39; John 11:11-14)

As his family, we have full confidence that Jesus will act on his promise to bring back “all those in the memorial tombs” and that includes Shaylon. - John 5:28,29; 11:24,25

A celebration of Shaylon's life will be held Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Roberts family.