Dr. Michael Kent Roberts

Dr. Michael Kent Roberts – beloved husband, father, "Pappaw," minister, professor, mentor, and friend – passed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on August 27, 2024, at the age of 75 surrounded by his family in the Main Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
Born on February 15, 1949, in Garrett, Indiana to Reverend Samuel J. and Velda L. (Mattison) Roberts, Mike was the third of four children. Ironically, when Mike entered the ministry in 1975, he became the pastor of the Garrett Church of the Nazarene where his father had pastored some 30 years earlier and where Mike was born.
His greatest love has consistently been Kay S. (Bright) Roberts through more than 53 years. They have shared a deep love and devotion that has taken them through difficulties and losses, as well as wonderful wins. Mike loved his family deeply and was thrilled to move to Boerne upon retirement, where he could be close to most of his family. His great joy was to spend quality time with his beloved children, Melinda K. Smith (Kevin) of Quincy, MA; Melissa R. Ivankovich (Andrew) of Boerne; M. Benjamin Roberts (LisMari) of San Antonio; and Melanie D. Dhooge (Stephen) also of San Antonio. His 10 grandchildren have brought great joy as they grow and develop and now, as they choose their life's pursuits. He spent many hours watching swim meets, football games, plays, concerts, volleyball games, attending grandparent's days, and donuts with Grandpa. He often said, "That's why we moved to Texas!" He took great pride in Brendan and Emilia Smith; Mia, Joshua, Aaron, and Kyle Ivankovich; and Taylor, James, Nathan, and Emma Dhooge. Mike also leaves behind his siblings Stephen D. Roberts (Linda) of Raleigh, NC, Daniel L. Roberts (Rita) of Sorrento, FL and Nancy L. Hay (Gladwyn) of Middlebury, IN; his brother-in-law, Merle E. Bright (Nancy) of Naples, FL; his large extended family; students, colleagues, and dear friends.
Mike always believed that his ultimate calling was to Christian higher education, where he could foster greater understanding and compassion among college-age students while supporting their spiritual formation. In 1989, he completed the Ph.D. in Sociology at Purdue University and was invited to teach at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA where he taught for 17 years, and then taught for 13 more years at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. During his tenure, he blossomed among colleagues who supported each other in integrating their faith and scholarship.
Mike had two hobbies which he loved. His long-time dream to sail came true when he moved to the east coast, three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. He and Kay shared ownership of a 20-ft. sailboat with dear friends. You could find them sailing around New England during most summers while living in the Boston area. How he missed that boat, the "Flicka," and the ocean in his later years. His other love was woodworking. He particularly loved to 'turn' wood into things like pens which were gifts to relatives, friends, and graduating majors in Sociology. It was a labor of love!
A memorial service was held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm CT at the First United Methodist Church of Boerne, Texas. Rev. Kimberly Burke presided. The service may be streamed by clicking here. Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and education (www.michaeljfox.org) in Mike's name. The family would like to thank the care team at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio for their tremendous compassion during Mike's final illness