Harry Dean Roberts

Harry Dean Roberts, 92, of Houston, Texas passed away May 29, 2025, with his family at his side. Harry was born July 26, 1932, to Jefferson Calvin and Ethie Isabell Roberts in Mount Ida, Arkansas. He grew up in the small town of Lake Village, Arkansas. After his high school graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas for 1 year. He decided college life wasn’t for him and found his true calling when he joined the United States Air Force at age 19. A bit of good fortune developed when he was selected for pilot training, where his love of flying and aviation started. Flight school led to Officer Candidate School with Harry ultimately achieving the rank of Major. He served his country honorably with assignments in Japan, Korea, Panama, 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as well as several stateside bases. He was proud of his service to his country but never bragged about his achievements, which included 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Bronze Star Medal among other medals and awards.

Following his Air Force Retirement, he moved to Houston, Texas to work for Metro Airlines where he continued his career in aviation. After his tenure at Metro Airlines, he entered the next phase of his career working for Flight Safety International, remaining there until his retirement in 2003.

In addition to his life at work, Harry had a very fulfilling home life. He met Marianna, his wife of 66 years at Maxwell Air Force Base. Together they raised five children.

Harry was a Freemason and a member of Quiet Birdmen. He enjoyed attending reunions of his Flying Jennies Squadron (Japan) over the years.

Over his long life he was able to enjoy many hobbies including hunting, fishing, shrimping – almost another vocation, really, he spent many hours on his prized shrimp boat “Patriot” and earned the nickname “Skipper”, “The Skipper”, and later for his grandkids “Papa Skip” - horseback riding, snow skiing, water skiing, and reading. In retirement he focused on spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

After their eldest, beloved daughter, Rhana, fell ill in the early 2000s, Harry and Marianna showed their family and the world what it means to truly love someone as they made every personal sacrifice to care for her from 2004 until February, 2022 when she passed away.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson and Ethie Roberts; his brothers, Franklin Cary Roberts, and Howard Gray Roberts; and his daughter, Rhana Kinney.

He is survived by his wife, Marianna; children Randall (Denise) Roberts, Ronald (Sandi) Roberts, Mark (Celeste) Roberts, Deana (Bernie) Kmiecik; Grandchildren Rachel and Josh Roberts; Isabelle Roberts; Lauren and Hannah Kmiecik; and Lauren Pullin. Great Grandson Jensen Dean Roberts; Special caregiver Weah Scoggins; And many extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charities below in honor of Harry.