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John Roberts, a loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on September 26, 1951, in Lawton, Oklahoma, John was a man of deep intellect, eclectic tastes, and a unique sense of humor that will be deeply missed by all who knew him. John’s journey began in Lawton, where he cultivated a lifelong passion for music. He was an accomplished saxophone player throughout high school and college, earning accolades for his talent. Music remained a cornerstone of his life, and he enthusiastically shared his appreciation for skilled artists ranging from Joe Bonamassa to Ólafur Arnalds. His love for music was a journey of continuous discovery, and he had an encyclopedic memory for composers and their works. He relished being able to identify pieces he heard in daily life, and would often remind his family that the song played by their washing machine was, in fact, Franz Schubert's “Die Forelle” (The Trout)! He was also a dedicated supporter of public radio. Passengers in his Dodge Caravan were guaranteed to have their ears blasted at startup with the last thing he was listening to—usually KERA, a station he donated to regularly. John earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Cameron University in 1986. He embarked on a successful career in computer programming and data systems, applying his sharp mind to complex problems at several companies, including The Wyatt Company in Dallas and culminating at The Standard in Portland, from which he retired in 2020. In his retirement, John returned to Texas to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren, a move that brought him great joy in his final years. He embraced new hobbies, including baking bread, a skill he loved sharing. He often presented his family with a fresh loaf when he visited. A self-proclaimed "bird nerd," John was fascinated by all things aviation, with a particular fondness for the scissor-tailed flycatcher, Oklahoma's state bird. While he spent much of his life in Texas, he also cherished his years in New Mexico, where he was enchanted by the mountains and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Oregon and the Pacific Northwest also held a special place in his heart. He loved traveling, finding joy in exploring places like New England, Walden Pond, Vancouver, Alaska, and Avalon on Catalina Island. John was an avid reader, particularly of non-fiction and biographies. His extensive vocabulary was matched only by his pedantic nature; he believed it was more important to be correct than to be easily understood, a trait that was both endearing and exasperating. His collection of t-shirts adorned with "sight gags" offered a glimpse into his intelligent and quirky sense of humor. He relished dining out, and he loved barbecue, which he always pronounced "Bobby-Q.” He held strong opinions on croissants, insisting on the "cwoissant" pronunciation and that they should NEVER be microwaved. "It ruins the crumb!" he'd declare. John was a man of diverse interests and deep convictions. He was an advocate and supporter of organizations like Wikipedia, KERA, Doctors Without Borders, and the North Texas Food Bank. He spent many years of his life donating blood regularly to the American Red Cross. Though he was generally kind and mild-mannered, he expressed outrage over social injustices and lamented the political climate. He channeled this passion into a Facebook group he created for like-minded progressives to share views and information. His days were often filled with perusing subscriptions to every major newspaper, a testament to his insatiable curiosity and commitment to staying informed. John was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan Roberts and Gale Redeker Roberts; his sister, Jane Roberts Butts, and sister-in-law, Sarah Roberts. He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Miner and husband Dan; his two grandchildren, Hope and George; his brother, Daniel Roberts and wife Kathleen; nieces Katy and Sarah; and his nephew, Galen. There are no services scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

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John Redeker Roberts

September 26, 1951 - July 4, 2025