Arlen Neal Roberson

Arlen was born August 14, 1935 at the family farm home near Burr Oak, Kansas in Jewell County. He attended rural one-room schools for grades 1 - 8. He then attended Miltonvale Wesleyan Academy for High School and Jr. College (19491955). He taught Math and Science at Miltonvale Grade School for two years before enlisting in the Air Force. Arlen served four years as an Air Traffic Controller in dual roles as a Control Tower Operator and Radar Landing Operator in Mississippi and Texas. His off-duty time found him at a CBS television station as a camera operator in Harlingen, Texas.

In 1961 Arlen returned from the Air force, enrolled at Wichita University and worked full time at KTVH-TV Channel 12 as camera operator/floor manager while at the same time finished his undergraduate degree in 1963 from Wichita State. From 1963-65, he was awarded a graduate History fellowship for two years at WSU. In 1963, Arlen began teaching History, American Government and Current Events at Wichita High Schools West and Southeast for 15 years while earning a Master's Degree in Secondary School Administration.

The interaction and rapport he enjoyed with his students was a side benefit of teaching. A favorite author, Pat Conroy put it best by saying "the great teachers fill you with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life." Arlen tried to be that kind of teacher.

Beginning in 1981, Arlen spent the next 16 years in school administration: Asst. Principal and Principal at Clearwater High School, Principal at Goddard Jr. High School and then 7 years as Asst. Superintendent of Goddard District USD 265 before retiring in 1997.

Following retirement some casual conversations usually began with "where are you traveling to now?" Since Linda was his ultimate travel planner, often he didn't know the trip details to answer the question but was always ready to go with family, friends and groups to many areas all over the world. Pheasant Hunting at the farm and annual family gatherings at Big Cedar Lodge were never missed.

Reading was a lifelong pastime and passion — mainly current events, political and military history. He thoroughly enjoyed his family, home, gardening, lawncare and landscaping. He was known in his neighborhood for his trimmed/shaped shrubbery and always the first to mow. It was normal to see Arlen relaxing in his garage welcoming conversations with the neighbors — including young children who loved him.

One of his greatest joys was the satisfaction coming from volunteering. He was a pillar of strength and compassion, always putting the needs of others before his own. After retirement he spent 16 years in part-time handyman work for 2 Ronald McDonald Houses in Wichita while also taking on jobs of painting and siding houses each summer. The next 5 years he was a volunteer coordinator at the Medical Loan Closet and active on various committees at College Hill United Methodist Church. He served our HOA for 20 years as Board member/officer and a frequent volunteer.

Arlen is preceded in death by his parents, Loren Louis Roberson and Ethel Mae Roberson; Brother Beryl Roberson and Sister Donna Mae Buckley (Earl). He is survived by a brother, Delmar Roberson (Virginia) of Manhattan, KS and Rita Roberson of Burr Oak, KS.

Arlen will be remembered by his loving wife, Linda of 43 years. Sons, Richard Roberson of Surprise, AZ and Chris Roberson (Joni) of Charlotte, NC. Stepsons Scott Brown (Kim) of Wichita and Dr. Todd Brown (Paige) of Nacogdoches, TX. Grandchildren: Dr. Hailey Roberson of St. Petersburg, FL; Loren Roberson of Tucson, AZ; Aaron Miller, Wichita; Katlyn Miller Breault (Alex) of Overland Park, KS; Hayden Brown of Wichita; Jackson Brown of Nacogdoches, TX. and a great-grandchild, Kooper Breault.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, March 22, 2024 at College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 East 1st St N, Wichita, KS 67214. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to College Hill United Methodist Church or the Medical Loan Closet, 6655 East Harry, Wichita, KS 67207.