Thomas Joseph Roberts

1933 - 2025

Thomas Joseph Roberts
02/17/1933 - 10/25/2025
Thomas Joseph "Tom" Roberts, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 92 years old.
Born on February 17, 1933, in Houston, Texas, to John Charles Roberts and Dora Marie Peltier Roberts, Tom was the fifth of nine children-seven boys and two girls. He grew up in the Heights neighborhood, attending All Saints Elementary and graduating from St. Thomas High School in the Class of 1950. After high school, Tom served in the Marine Corps Reserves and was later drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Korean War for two years in Germany. Upon returning home from Germany he met Joyce who would become the love of his life. And as they say, the rest is history. Tom attended the University of Houston and in 1958 he graduated cum laude with a BBA degree in accounting.
Tom began his professional career at Ernst & Ernst. On June 30, 1964, he co-founded Fitts, Roberts & Company with his partner Bob Fitts. The firm-now Fitts, Roberts & Kolkhorst-continues to thrive today. After retirement, Tom continued to consult clients and just this year provided services to his very last client.
Tom earned deep respect in the accounting and professional communities. He served as President of the Texas Society of CPAs – Houston Chapter, President of the Sharpstown Rotary Club, Board Member of the St. Thomas High School Foundation, and was recognized as CPA of the Year by the Houston Chapter of the TSCPA. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, honorary member of University of Houston Beta Alpha Psi- national accounting Honor Society, named on the Wall of Honor at the Bauer College of Business, among many other honors and achievements.
Yet, as proud as Tom was of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy was his family. He and Joyce raised seven children-six daughters and one son, later welcoming fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren into their lives. He loved trips to the family beach house he had built, holidays surrounded by loved ones, and celebrations at the Roberts home.
Tom was selfless, humble, and endlessly generous. He was always ready to lend a hand while never seeking recognition. His quiet strength and unwavering devotion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Joyce Roberts, and their loving children: Marie Denise Roberts, Richard Roberts (Sherry), Cindy Cox (Allan), Sandra Martin(Jim), Margie Hix, and Terri Pearce(Andy). He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Michael McBee, Greg Roberts, Alexis Roberts, Justin Cox, Joshua Cox, Jennifer Cox, Alex Martin, Megan Klingensmith, Jake Martin, Katie Zaehringer, Emily Martin, Grant Hix, and Jackson Pearce, and nineteen beloved great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother Walter "Butch" Roberts(Christina), sister in laws Theresa Fischer and Olivia Roberts and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy Harris; grandchildren Daniel O'Neil and Kimberly Simmons; his parents John and Dora Roberts; parents-in-law Clifford and Gertrude Sherrill; and siblings Dorothy Fischer (Jim), Rev. E. Arthur Roberts, John Roberts (Sally), Mary Ann Mack (Jim), James Roberts (Mary and Ola Mae), Bill Roberts (Lena), and George Roberts.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:30 at All Saints Catholic Church, 215 E. 10th Street, Houston, Texas, followed by a committal service with military honors at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Thomas High School General fund, St. Dominic Village, All Saints Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice in the memory of Tom.
Visit http://dignitymemorial.com/obituaries to view the full obituary and for more service details.