Wanda Jean Buxkemper Roberts, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 6, 2023, in Victoria, Texas. Wanda was born to Marie and Alfred Buxkemper on August 30, 1955, in Hallettsville, Texas. Her family moved to Point Comfort, Texas, when she was three years old.
The middle of five children, Wanda found her voice as a leader early in life, making her a force in later years. Wanda graduated from Calhoun High School in 1973, having been a twirler and a Breaker Beauty. In her family, she became the first of a long line of Aggies, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M in 1977, followed by a Jurisprudence Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 1980.
With Hurricane Allen setting its course toward Point Comfort in the summer of 1980, Wanda and her fiancé, David Roberts, were forced to move their wedding to Waco just two days before the ceremony. Their most memorable wedding was held at St. Louis Catholic Church on August 9, 1980, making the front page of the Waco Tribune-Herald with the headline “Allen Moves Aggie Wedding.” From that day forward, Wanda and David danced, traveled the world, managed a successful law firm and title company, and were proud parents, grandparents, and aunt and uncle.
Practicing family law and general civil litigation for 36 years, Wanda was a fierce advocate for her clients. Professionally, she held leadership positions on the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority Board of Directors, where she was appointed by Governor Ann Richards, the State Bar of Texas District 11B Grievance Committee, the Calhoun County Bar Association, the Friends of the Calhoun County Library, the Friends of the Sterling C. Evans Library at Texas A&M University, the local chapter of the American Business Women's Association, Our Lady of the Gulf Altar Society, the Calhoun County A&M Club and many other civic organizations. She and David were engaged members of the Texas Democratic Party. They were also devoted Aggies, and their tailgate was a staple in Lot A of Kyle Field for over 25 years.
Her faith in God was paramount. She was a devout member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Port Lavaca and a sincere friend to countless priests, nuns, and clergy throughout the years.
Wanda was a hard worker, avid reader, and joke teller. The only thing more striking than her bright smile and bold fashion was her immense generosity. Her love for gift-giving brought joy and excitement to every occasion, especially Christmas, and nothing made her happier than opening her lovely home to others. She lived her days with determination, laughter, love, and faith.
Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, William David Roberts, Jr.; and her parents, Marie and Alfred Buxkemper. She is survived by sisters Gail Sawyer (Dan), Peggy Buxkemper, and Sandy Witte (Russell); brother Bruce Buxkemper (Leslie); brother-in-laws Jim Roberts (Doris) and Alan Roberts (Robyn); her stepchildren Connie Longuet (Devin) and Melissa Machicek (Don); grandchildren Lindsey Steiger (Trent), Brandon Longuet, Cooper Machicek, and Aspen Machicek; nieces and nephews Danna Hamann and Doug Sawyer, Brianna Witte and Andrew Witte, Austin Shaunfield, Jennifer Dunkin and Allyson Heiner, Kolle Roberts and Leslie Jurkash; and numerous grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Russell Witte, Andrew Witte, Devin Longuet, Don Machicek, Doug Sawyer and Kolle Roberts.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 5pm at Richardson Colonial Funeral Home, with a rosary to be recited at 7pm. Funeral services will be at 11am Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church. Interment will immediately follow at Sarco Cemetery in Goliad County. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of donations to Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic School or the Friends of the Calhoun County Public Library.
