Harold Ray Roberts

Harold Ray Roberts of Muskogee Oklahoma passed away Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the age of 89. He was born on October 25, 1925 to Clarence “Pepper” Roberts and Ruby Forston Roberts in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Harold attended Shawnee High School and during his senior year, in December, left to join the United States Navy. His mother would later receive his diploma. He proudly served his country during WWII aboard the USS Bancroft where he earned the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Upon returning to Shawnee in 1946, Harold attended OBU for 3 years. He married Thelma M. Gibson on September 12, 1954. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage together. Harold and Thelma moved their home to Muskogee in 1959 where Harold worked for 7UP Bottling Company as the Route Supervisor and then for Victor Savings and Loan as the Assistant Vice President for 18 years. Harold later worked for Yaffe Iron & Metal as the Credit Manager and then for the Veterans Administration for 12 years in the Encore Program. Harold’s hobbies included boating, water skiing, and fishing. He loved living on Fort Gibson Lake and was an avid fan of OU football. Harold’s family was very important to him and he loved nothing more than spending time with his two grandchildren, Amanda and Scott. Harold attended First Methodist Church for 47 years where he served on several committees and was the Chairman of Trustees for 4 years. He was also a member of the American Legion and Lions Club. Harold would later become a member of Southeast Baptist Church in Muskogee. The family requests memorials be made to the Southeast Baptist Church Music Department, 2511 E Hancock, Muskogee, OK 74403. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Eva Lou Ice. He is survived by his wife, Thelma, of the home; daughter, Pam Morrison of Broken Arrow ; granddaughter, Amanda Cumbey and husband Travis; grandson, Scott Morrison and wife Heather; six great grandchildren, Halie, Makenzie, Jacie, Landon, Abbey, Logan, many nieces, nephews, and friends; daughter, Barbara Marie Rogers and husband, Charles, of Oklahoma City; grandsons, Phillip Rogers of St. Louis, MO, Terry Rogers and wife Debbie of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Brianna, Landon, Charles, Cortlyn, and Caiden. Funeral services honoring Harold’s life will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2014 at Southeast Baptist Church with Bro. Gene Sanders officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Benny Ross, Kenny Jackson, Tony Cox, Buddy Harris, Hershel Mayle, and Ken Morrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Cole, Rex Reaves, Gary Hatfield, Larry Isom, J.B. Bass, H.M. Underwood, and David Citty.

Harold Ray Roberts

October 25, 1925 - December 7, 2014