Arles "Elbert" Roberts

Funeral services for Elbert Roberts, 78, of Centerville, Texas will be held 11 A.M., Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Interment will follow in Centerville Cemetery. A brief visitation will take place prior to the service from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers: Bob Wallace, Jr., Mike Wallace, Brady Roberts, Brant Roberts, Chad Wood, Lawrence Johnson, Bubba Bell

Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Dorman, Robert Campbell, Royce Keeling, Jack Keeling, Wayne Neyland, David Free, Joey Sullivan, Cooper Sullivan, Danny Lacey, George Holleman, Charles Barnes, Russell Luedke, Ronald Gregory

Arles “Elbert” Roberts was born August 25, 1943 in Teague, Texas to Clyde Hance & Dorothy (Herren) Roberts. He had lived most of his life in Centerville and was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Centerville. Elbert loved the town of Centerville, especially Centerville ISD, and he was a strong supporter of all of the youth of the community. Elbert had served on the school board for a number of years, as well as participate as a basketball referee and little dribblers coach. For many years, Elbert was the owner and operator of Wallace Tire and Battery. When he decided it was time to sell his business, Elbert went to work for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a guard at the Ferguson Unit in Midway, Texas.

Elbert is best described as the quintessential family man. He was a hard worker and excellent provider to his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Diane and doting father to their children, Brian and Kasey. Never was there anything less than unconditional, loving support and affection offered by Elbert to his young children, as well as their close friends who were always welcomed as family in the home. As his children grew into adults and Elbert became a grandfather, he fostered meaningful relationships with each of his grandchildren allowing them to come to know just how much their “Paw” cared about them and loved them. He taught each of them all of the things that a man who loved the country would teach his grandchildren—fishing, deer hunting, hog hunting, squirrel hunting or any kind of varmint hunting for that matter, as well as some good, old fashioned life lessons and illustrating the very definition of hard work. In addition, Elbert tried to never miss any activity in which his grandchildren were involved for as long as his health allowed. Many fun memories were made at Roberts’ home where everyone would spend hours around the pool. In turn, Elbert always enjoyed visiting and having a good time with friends.

Elbert was ushered into heaven surrounded by his family at his home in Centerville Sunday, March 13, 2022. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Eugene Roberts and grandchildren, Blaire Wood and Madisyn Franks.

Surviving family members include devoted wife, Diane Roberts of Centerville; son, Brian Roberts and LeeAnn of Centerville and daughter, Kasey Wood & husband, Clayton of Buffalo, as well as grandchildren, Megan Melcer & husband, Matt, Brady Roberts, Brant Roberts, Garrison Wood, Hudson Wood and Grant Franks. Elbert will also be fondly remembered by his special “Pa’s Pretty Pals,” Jenny McGill, Amber Pate, Jessica Hoffman, Dottie Sullivan, Karen Ellis, Casey Holden, Karly Donnell, Rachel Gonce, Bonnie Swindell, Micah Sullivan, Mandy Mizell, Kandace Hardee, Angela Rodell and Ruthie Grissett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Texas Youth Ranch Rodeo Association.

Arrangements are under the care of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.