Billy Kemp Roberts

Billy Kemp Roberts, 95, of Victoria passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2015. He was born on May 26, 1920 in Otterville, Missouri to the late James H. Roberts and Carrie J. Roberts, the youngest of eight children.

After receiving his education in Sedalia, Missouri he spent 7 years with the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a sheet metal worker. He then spent 3 years in the Army Corps of Engineers on the Alaskan Highway and a tour of duty in the European theater repairing railroads and railroad bridges. After completing his military service he went to work for Trunkline Gas Company where he spent 35 years in gas measurement as a technician and superintendent.

Bill was a dedicated Methodist having spent 19 years in DeRidder, Louisiana and 46 years in Victoria. He served in various capacities in the First United Methodist Church. He was Building chairman when the sanctuary at First Methodist was renovated and the present Organ was built. He also served as Building and Grounds chairman for several years making many improvements to the facilities. He was a member of the Sanctuary Choir since 1969 and has sung in church choirs since high school. Bill was a member of the Toast of the Coast Barber Shop Chorus in Victoria for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frankie J. Roberts, sons, Thomas M Roberts of Victoria, James R Roberts (Linda) of Richardson, TX, and Joseph M Roberts of Victoria, as well as eleven grandchildren, Anne Roberts, Peter Roberts (Monique), Abby Eades (Micah), Caroline Roberts, Andrew Roberts, Francie Sanchez (Mark), Jordan Roberts, Taylor Roberts, Leslie Jurkash (Tony), Kolle Roberts and Blake Roberts (Kourtne). There are also six great grandchildren, Ben, Isabelle, Joel, Penny, Ava and Luke, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Monday, October 5, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, 407 N. Bridge St. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Peter Roberts, Jordan Roberts, Kolle Roberts, Blake Roberts, Andrew Roberts, and Al Haisler. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Pairs and Spares Sunday school class.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, 407 N. Bridge St. Victoria, TX 77901 or Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave. Victoria, TX 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.