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Don Roberts Obituary
Mr. Roberts spent four decades as an education administrator and considered his stint in Fort Worth "a most exciting time," said his wife, Jan Roberts.
Walter Dansby, who earlier this year was named FWSD superintendent, said Mr. Roberts was a positive influence on him.
"There have been a lot of great men in my life, but Don Roberts is one of the top ones," Dansby said Tuesday.
Dan Powell, superintendent of the Crowley School District, said Mr. Roberts was just as important in guiding his path as an administrator.
"I count among the blessings of my life that I was able to work under the tutelage of Dr. Roberts," said Powell, who served with FWSD from 1974 to 1997.
Born Oct. 31, 1934, in McNeil, Ark., Mr. Roberts earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Henderson State College (now University) at Arkadelphia, Ark. He interrupted his college career after 18 months to join the Marines for two years and served as a sergeant in the Korean War.
Mr. Roberts taught a year in 1958 in Welch, La., before moving in 1959 to Weston, Ore., where, after serving as a teacher, coach and principal, he became a superintendent at age 29, leaving in 1966.
In the late 1960s, he received a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
In 1967, Mr. Roberts began his career with the Little Rock School District as interim deputy superintendent and later became assistant superintendent.
He left in 1974 to become superintendent of the Newport News, Va., schools.
In 1979, he returned to Arkansas as head of the state Department of Education, a position he held for five years.
In 1984, the Amarillo School District appointed him superintendent.
He was called to the Fort Worth public schools in 1987.
One of Mr. Roberts' greatest honors, his wife said, was the 2010 dedication of Don R. Roberts Elementary School in Little Rock. Mr. Roberts' message to the students was "always do the right thing."
Survivors include his wife; three children, Don Roberts Jr. of Maumelle, Jon Roberts of North Little Rock and Susan Robbins of Tyler; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Roberts
6 Entries
John & Jo Anne Penn
June 26, 2012
Dr. Don Roberts will always be significant in our lives. He was supportive to me as I led the Adopt-a-School and education programs at the Star-Telegram. He will be missed.
Glenn Nixon
June 6, 2012
What a great leader. I worked in F.W.I.S.D while Dr. Roberts was superintendent. He mad everyone feel important. When I was choir director at DeZavala Elementary School our choir did a special concert for Dr. Roberts and his wife. He later spoke of the concert and the district administrator's meeting and how great a job we were doing at DeZavala. He will be greatly missed.
Jack & Terrye Morrow
June 5, 2012
To the family of Dr. Roberts
We want to express our deep sadness at the passing
of Dr Roberts. He was always a gentleman with a kind, caring spirit. It was a great honor to have served on the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education while he was Superintendent. He was someone that we always admired and looked up to. He was a true leader for our children in Fort Worth.
He will be missed by all. Your family is in our prayers.
Willeene King
June 4, 2012
To the Family of Dr. Roberts:
I worked as an Administrative Assistant under the watch of several Superintendents. Dr. Roberts was truly a gentleman. He never failed to acknowledge you even walking down the hallways. I always had such high respects for him. His legacy will continue in FWISD. I am sorry for your loss. I know he will leave a void in each of your lives. I feel so blessed to have worked in a district lead by such a leader.
Steve Gay
June 2, 2012
To the family of Don Roberts:
I`ve heard many educators profess a belief in all childrens potential to learn but Dr. Roberts was exemplary in his efforts to make it a reality. If not for his faith in me and the guidance he provided I know that my years of service in alternative schools would have been seriously compromised.The legacy of Don Roberts will echo far beyond our time on this planet and for that we are blessed.
Shirley Knox Benton
June 1, 2012
To the Family of Dr. Roberts:
I will always be grateful to Dr. Roberts for supporting me as the first female principal of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He was truly a gentleman. You have my prayers during your hours of bereavement. Mrs. Roberts. you were always so pleasant and kind whenever we had the opportunity to chat.
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