Ernest Evans Roberts

Ernest Evans Roberts, Jr. passed away at the age of 90 on January 26, 2024, and went to be with Jesus. He was born on November 28, 1933, in Waco, Texas, to Florene and Ernest Roberts, Sr. He graduated from Waco High School and also attended Baylor University.

Ernie was preceded in death by the love of his life Betty Francis Dunn, wife of 67 years. He is survived by daughters Kendra Roberts Schuring and husband, Bob, of Decatur and Kay Lynn Roberts Day and husband, Paul, of Maypearl, TX, and, granddaughters Mallory Schuring and Kirbie Day Sims and husband, Mark, and, and grandsons Tucker Schuring and Dr. Colby Day and wife, Chessi.  He is also survived by four great-grandchildren Broxton, Poppy and Hawk Day, and Rhett Sims. And by many loved nieces and nephews.

Ernie met, Betty Dunn, on a blind date in 1952 and fell in love. They married one year later on July 3, 1953.  They made their early home in Woodway, TX.  Ernie bought and ran a gas station in downtown Waco until he took a job at Rockwell International/Rocketdyne outside of Waco. He worked his way up as project engineer and rocket development. He was a part of the team that developed rocket fuel that sent the first rocket to the moon.

In 1973, Ernie and Betty bought a manufacturing company moved the family to DeSoto, TX. Ernie designed and engineered new equipment for the glass industry for 20 years and holds 10 patents for various inventions.

Ernie held various roles and honors throughout his life, including Mayor of DeSoto from 1982-1986, helping to start 3 banks, chairing the DeSoto Economic Development, chairing the Dallas County School to Work and Youth Council, being a member of the Lions Club for 55 years, being honored as Man of the Year for the COC, and having a park named after him. Upon selling his company and retiring in 1990, Ernie served as the chairman for LTV and Hercules Powder Labor/Mgmt Committees and spent 30 years on the board of directors for Mary Hardin Baylor.

In 2007, Betty and Ernie moved to Decatur, TX, to be near their younger grandchildren.  In Decatur, Ernie served on the Wise County Appraisal board for over 10 years.

Ernie’s favorite pastime was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and Betty also enjoyed traveling around the world with family and friends, visiting places such as the China, Japan, Russia, the Amazon River, and Europe.

Ernie and Betty were active members at different churches where they lived, including First Baptist in Woodway, Hampton Road Baptist Church in DeSoto, and First Baptist Church in Decatur.

For the past 4 years Ernie has enjoyed the fellowship and friendships made at the Wise County Wise County Community on Aging- Decatur Senior Citizens Center (OWLS).

In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Wise County Community on Aging mail to PO Box 903 Decatur, TX.76234 or call 940-627-5329 - donations in Ernie Roberts memory.