Warren James Roberts

Warren James Roberts, a man whose life was marked by enduring dedication, quiet strength, and a profound passion for the outdoors, passed away on September 26, 2020, in Denison, Texas. Born on December 7, 1942, in Midfield, Texas, Warren’s journey was one of purposeful service, both to his country and his family, and a testament to a life well lived.

From his early years as a rambunctious child and spirited teen in Oklahoma, Warren embraced the rigors of life with an energy that was evident whether on the football field or baseball diamond, where he displayed his athletic vigor and team spirit. His education took him from the halls of Elmore City High School to Murray State College and later to the University of Oklahoma, institutions that shaped his mind and character deeply. At Murray State College, fate intertwined his path with Andra Armstrong, the woman who would become his wife on October 6, 1966, and with whom he built a cherished family.

Warren's career as a mechanical engineer was distinguished and impactful. His tenure with the United States Army Corps of Engineers spanned from 1969 until his retirement in 2012, a career interrupted only by a stroke in 2011. Throughout these years, he poured his intelligence and unwavering determination into his work, notably serving as a project engineer at Lake Texoma. Warren was immensely proud of his military service in the Air Force, a commitment that shaped his disciplined spirit and leadership. He was also a founding member of the Philadelphia Volunteer Fire Department, a testament to his dedication to community and camaraderie.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Warren was a man of varied and vibrant interests. From a young age, he was drawn to the outdoors—hunting, fishing, and competitive trap shooting filled his days with joy and challenge. He was a skilled gunsmith and a passionate raiser of bird dogs. His hands found solace in rebuilding cars, while his mind found delight in the strategic play of board and card games. Those who knew him well remember a man who was generally quiet, his intellect and stubbornness quietly guiding his words and actions, until moments when his jovial laugh and storytelling would light up the room.

Most tenderly, Warren treasured his role as a father and grandfather. He took great pride in teaching his daughters, Manon Mohler and Laura Shelton, how to fish, hunt, and drive—lessons imparted with patience and humor, even if sometimes accompanied by a little friction. Alongside his daughters and their husbands, Mark and Jim respectively, Warren found immeasurable joy in his granddaughters Tabitha Mohler, Brittani Shelton, Torie Lolo-Englert (and her husband Sean), and Carlee Shelton. His delight extended to his great-grandchildren Dayton and Leighton Hensley. Surrounded by a loving family, including his sister Janelle Diepenbrock and her husband Dick, nieces Lindsey Henegar and Leighton Hensley, nephew Drew Armstrong, Warren’s legacy is carried forward with deep affection and respect.

Warren’s final years saw the loyal care of his wife, Andra, until his transition to memory care in 2019. His departure leaves profoundly cherished memories—of a man who was helpful to those in need, respected by his community and colleagues, and whose passions and quiet strength inspired those privileged to know him.

A memorial service will be held on June 5, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, followed by a graveside service at Tishomingo Cemetery, where friends and family will gather to honor the life of Warren James Roberts—a life defined by dedication, love, and an unyielding spirit. He was predeceased by his parents, Winfield A. (Doc) Roberts and Gladys Fitzgerald Roberts.

In reflecting upon Warren’s life, one recalls a man who, with a quiet demeanor yet resolute heart, navigated the complexities of a full life with dignity and grace. His story remains etched in the hearts of all who loved him, a testament to a legacy of resilience, devotion, and heartfelt joy.