Thomas Joseph Roberts

Thomas Joseph “Tom” Roberts, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 92 years old.

Born on February 17, 1933, in Houston, Texas to John Charles Roberts and Dora Marie Peltier Roberts Tom was the fifth of nine children—seven boys and two girls. He grew up in the Heights neighborhood attending All Saints Elementary and graduating from St. Thomas High School in the Class of 1950. After high school, Tom served in the Marine Corps Reserves and was later drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Korean War for two years in Germany.

Upon returning home from Germany, Tom bought a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe—his pride and joy—with money he managed to save from his Army pay. One evening, while cruising down Main Street with friends, he met his future wife Joyce Graham who would become the love of his life. And as they say, the rest is history.

Tom attended the University of Houston while working multiple jobs and raising three of their eventual seven children. In August 1958, he graduated cum laude with a BBA in accounting.

Tom began his professional career at Ernst & Ernst. On June 30, 1964, he co-founded Fitts, Roberts & Company with his partner Bob Fitts. The firm—now Fitts, Roberts & Kolkhorst—continues to thrive today. One of his sources of great pride was his professional role in helping his friends and relatives flourish in their retail auto parts business which would later be known as Hi/LO Auto Supply, now part of O’Reilly Auto Parts. After retirement, Tom continued to handle clients and only earlier this year retired his very last client.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Tom earned deep respect in the accounting and professional communities as well as the Houston community at large. He served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Texas Society of CPAs. Tom also served the Houston CPA Society as President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Director. He also served as Chairman of numerous committees. Tom was chosen by the Texas Society of CPAs as Outstanding Chapter President in 1983 and voted CPA of the Year by the Houston CPA Society in 1987. He was also honored at the 2008 Charity Extravaganza. Tom was also recognized as an Honorary Member of the Beta Alpha Psi Chapter at the University of Houston and named on the Wall of Honor at the Bauer College of Business. He had over 50 years of membership in Rotary International and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Yet, as proud as Tom was of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. He and Joyce raised seven children together—six daughters and one son— eventually welcoming fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren into their lives. Tom loved trips to his self-built beach house and hosting innumerable celebrations at his family home, including cherished holiday celebrations with family and friends.

Tom was selfless, humble, and endlessly generous. He was always willing to lend a hand and never sought recognition. Tom was never a burden on anyone. His quiet strength and unwavering devotion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Tom is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joyce Roberts, and their children: Marie Denise Roberts, Richard Roberts (Sherry), Cindy Cox (Allan), Sandra Martin (Jim), Margie Hix, and Terri Pearce (Andy). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Michael McBee, Greg Roberts, Alexis Roberts, Justin Cox, Joshua Cox, Jennifer Cox, Alex Martin, Megan Klingensmith, Jake Martin, Katie Zaehringer, Emily Martin, Grant Hix, and Jackson Pearce. Tom is also survived by his brother Walter “Butch” Roberts (Christina) and sister in laws Theresa Fischer and Olivia Roberts. He is also survived by nineteen great-grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Tom leaves behind a legacy that will be forever cherished and continued by all.

Tom was preceded in death by his: daughter Nancy Harris, grandchildren Daniel O’Neil and Kimberly Simmons, parents John and Dora Roberts, parents-in-law Clifford and Gertrude Sherrill, and siblings Dorothy Fischer (Jim), Rev. E. Arthur Roberts, John Roberts (Sally), Mary Ann Mack (Jim), James Roberts (Mary and Ola Mae), Bill Roberts (Lena), and George Roberts.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Clearwater, Compassionate Homecare Services, and Bayou City Hospice for their compassion and care in Tom’s final days.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 6:00 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 East 10th Street, Houston, Texas 77008.

Following the Funeral Mass, a committal service with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Thomas High School General Fund, St. Dominic Village, All Saints Catholic Church, or to a charity of your choice in Tom’s memory.

Matthew 25:21:

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.'"