Jay Willard Roberts

Jay Willard Roberts of Dallas, TX, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, crossed over into heaven on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Born on June 7, 1950 in Lawton, Oklahoma, he was the youngest of three children to C.A. and Mildrege (Sullivan) Roberts. Following the passing of his mother at a young age, his immediate family expanded to include five additional siblings through the marriage of C.A. and Rae Roberts.

Jay married Linda (Hanson) in 1970 and welcomed his son Zach in 1975, son Derrick in 1979, and son Wes in 1981. He graduated from Ada High School in 1968 and from Oklahoma State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Jay loved the outdoors and spent multiple summers working on his Uncle Eb’s farm as a young man. These summer experiences ultimately influenced Jay’s decision to purchase his very own dairy farm in southwest Oklahoma, which he operated for many years before moving on to greener pastures.

Jay found the love of his life, Myrna Rheudasil, in the late 1990s. Their time together as a couple spanned over 20 years before her death on November 15, 2017. This period together with Myrna marks the happiest time in Jay’s life. He and Myrna enjoyed spending time with family, entertaining friends, and spending their summers together in Ruidosa, NM. Jay used humor as a way to connect with people and build relationships, was jovially optimistic, and adamant about not burdening those around him. A capable man in his own right, he could never tolerate watching others work while he rested, or pay for services he thought he could do better himself.

Jay is preceded in death by his mother and father; his step-mother, Rae Roberts; brothers, Richard and Cary Roberts; step-brother, Gene Penny; and life partner, Myrna Rheudasil.

Jay is survived by his children: Zach and wife, Denise Roberts of Overland Park, KS, Derrick and wife, Jessica Roberts of Midland, GA, and Wes and wife, Michelle Roberts of Edmond, OK; siblings, Raymond and wife, Anny Penny of The Woodlands, TX, Beth and husband, Bernard Leong of The Woodlands, TX, Ann and husband, Spencer Matheny of OKC, and Steve Roberts of Stillwater, OK; grandchildren, Evyn, Kylie, and Weston Roberts, Jameson and Jaxon Roberts, Ruby and Lively Roberts; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

The visitation will be held from 1:00pm – 2:00pm immediately prior to the funeral service. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 31st, 2025 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home in the Bill Sparkman Venue. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.