On April 5, 2025 Thomas Wayne Roberts, 87, passed into the arms of Jesus. He joins his beloved wife, Edna “Joan” Roberts only one week after her journey to Heaven.
He was born on July 22, 1937, in Mexico, Missouri to Mable (Willingham) and Omar Mitchell Roberts. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by five of his siblings: Opal Witten, Donald Roberts, Carl Roberts, infant Charles Ray Roberts, and James Roberts.
He is survived by his loving children: Michael (Carol) Roberts, Pam (Robert) Wolverton, and Wynee (Randy) Akers. In addition, he is survived by his brother Larry (Jacquie) Roberts, and sister-in-law, Hiroko (Carl) Roberts. Thomas was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren (affectionately known as “The Greats”). Thomas loved his kids and grandkids deeply.
After living most of his life in Mexico, MO, Thomas spent the remainder of his years in Sedalia, MO. He lived at Primrose Retirement Community and E.W. Thompson Health Center, where He was well-loved and cared for by the staff. Many often visited him on their breaks- he held a special place in their hearts.
Thomas was a devoted member of Union Baptist Church in Mexico, where he served as a deacon and in many other roles. He loved attending church and having fellowship with others. He once said, “I’m thankful for Jesus Christ and my salvation. I’m thankful for the way the Lord has blessed us and supplied all we need.” He often ended his prayers with, “Thank you for this life we have together.”
He graduated from Mexico High School in 1955. On September 5, 1956, Thomas and Joan were joined in marriage. Their love story began with paper wads—Thomas caught Joan’s attention by tossing them her way. When they’d pass each other on the stairs, he’d give her a gentle punch on the shoulder. His playful gestures worked, and after two years of dating, they were married. Nearly 70 years later, they remained devoted to each other. Thomas often said he was proud of their 68 years of marriage and thankful to have spent his life with someone he loved so deeply. He loved his “Jo” and she loved her “Rob.”
Thomas admired his dad and granddad Roberts, learning from them the importance of kindness, honesty, respect, and hard work. His dad taught him that if he wanted anything, he had to work for it–and that he did.
Thomas was a very hard worker. He began working at thirteen years old. His first job was at Randall’s Drive-In where he was a carhop, fry cook, and even manager when his boss was away. Shortly after graduating, he began working at the Mexico Refractories on June 1, 1955, operating a forklift for many years. He worked hard to provide for the family he loved, remaining at Kaiser/National Refractories for 44 years until he retired. He then enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending winters in Texas.
Thomas was a lifelong sports enthusiast. In his early years, he could be found playing a game of ball with the neighborhood kids. Later, he played fast pitch softball, basketball, and golf. Thomas once shared, “When I was a carhop across from the country club, I would see guys playing golf and thought how foolish it was. They would hit the ball and then go hit it again.” Little did he know, that game of golf would become one of his favorites. For years, he played a round of golf every night after work.
Thomas also loved baseball. He was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. He listened to the games on the radio as a child, and then enjoyed watching them once the TV was invented. Watching baseball was one of his favorite things to do.
Thomas was a people person. He never met a stranger and was friendly to anyone he met. He enjoyed being able to call those he loved for a quick (or sometimes long) chat. He was often on the phone. Thomas was quick-witted and was an enjoyable conversationalist.
Thomas enjoyed going to horse shows and spending time with his family at the horse sales and barns. Thomas and his dad would buy horses for his son Mike to break. He even served as a horsemanship leader for 4-H.
Thomas loved his family greatly and always wanted what was best for them. One example of this was his belief in the health benefits of cod liver oil. Despite their complaints, he had Mike and Pam line up daily for their spoonful (while Wynee, still too young, got fruit drops). One day, after being challenged by his brother-in-law to try it himself, Thomas gave it a taste—and the cod liver oil days came to an end.
There are countless stories of his love, humor, and playfulness that continue to bring his family great joy.
While Thomas will be deeply missed, his family finds great comfort in knowing he is now with his Savior–and walking hand-in-hand again with his love, Joan.
A private graveside service will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico, MO.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
