Philip Earl Roberts' Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Philip “Buddy” Earl Roberts announce his passing.
Philip “Buddy” Earl Roberts took his last breath at 83 years old, in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday March 7th, 2025, spending his final days surrounded by the people he loved.
Buddy was born on July 18th, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Earl Haley Roberts and Augusta Laverne Roberts and had two older sisters Billie Roberts and Joy Roberts. He attended grade school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating from Will Rogers Highschool in 1959. After graduating he enrolled and was accepted into Oklahoma State University (despite being one of OU’s biggest fans). The five of them being together again in paradise offers comfort, while at the same time they are all greatly missed.
Buddy’s time as a Cowboy was cut short when his dad thought he was having too much fun as a Sigma Ki and brought him back home where he would start attending Northeastern University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, but would go back to working at his dad’s shop, eventually becoming the owner after his dad retired. After 30 years of working in and then owning the shop, Buddy would have to close it due to unfortunate circumstances and would go on to work at Chris Nickel. He worked there briefly but would find a career more fitting for his family as an insurance adjuster at Allstate (often joking about his father “turning in his grave”, as he wasn’t fond of insurance adjusters).
He would retire form Allstate and enjoy two years at home, but if you knew Buddy, you would know he got bored pretty quickly not working and went to work at Bass Pro in the Marine Department, where he would work for ten years and leave in 2020 to ultimately get to spend his time really enjoying his family (especially his great grandkids).
Buddy became an amazing father to two wonderful sons (from his first marriage) Jeffery Todd Roberts on May 8th, 1962, and Rodney Blake Roberts on September 15th, 1964, both in born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He would then, at the age of 27, meet the love of his life Vicki Rae Lane at a party (that neither wanted to attend) and two weeks later, like a couple of crazy kids, become engaged. Six weeks later, on April 13th, 1968, the two would get married in Nowata, Oklahoma. They then had a proper wedding on June 8th, 1968, to make
Bob-Bob happy. The two love birds would go on to grow their family, bringing into the world two beautiful daughters, Dayna Maria Roberts on December 12th, 1968, and Amanda Pauline Roberts on August 18th, 1971, both born in Tulsa, OK.
Buddy loved working on cars and had an extensive knowledge in anything in paint and body work to mechanical. He loved riding bicycles and rode in Freewheel for 26 years, riding with his wife Vicki and his sister and brother-in-law Pat and Dale Renyolds. He would eventually take his grandsons Tyler Roberts and Brandon Sellers, where they would make precious memories. Buddy also loved fishing and especially taking his family out to the lake on his beautiful bass boat. He would work very hard making that boat look nice, painting, cleaning, installing fish finders, new seats, you name it! We each have many wonderful memories of him and getting to fish on his bass boat.
Buddy is survived by his wife of just shy of 58 years Vicki; His children Todd, Rodney, Dayna, and Amanda; his nine grandchildren, Christine, Matthew, Ashley, Amber, Tyler, Josh, Brandon, Kyle, and Brody; and his eleven great grandchildren, Jayden, Kylie, Aiden, Paisley, Braydon, Caleb, Ryder, Lucas, Freya, Emily, and Logan Philip (named after Buddy, due in August).
Buddy was a loving and cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He spent his whole life as a kind and generous man, being a fiercely supportive and proud patriarch of the family.
Buddy loved family parties, being surrounded by laughter and love, starting wrapping paper wars, his dog Chewy (especially their walks), and football games on TV and in person. He never missed a game from coaching softball and basketball games for his daughters, to attending every game he possibly could in various sports played by his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He never missed a birthday, a big life event, or a hug you might need for anything from something hard to just needing one of his special hugs.
Buddy never failed to show up for those he loved, and even strangers in their time of need. It didn’t matter what time of day or what he had going on, he would do it with a smile and want for nothing in return. He was truly remarkable, there was not a soul like his. He
was genuinely the kindest, most patient man to ever live and saying he is missed is an understatement.
What a legacy he left.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me - by David M. Romano
When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not here to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
Are filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know you'll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love
But when I walked through Heaven's gate
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne
He said this is eternity And all I promised you
Today your life on earth is past
But here it starts anew
I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart
For every time you think of me
I'm right here in your heart
What’s your fondest memory of Philip?
What’s a lesson you learned from Philip?
Share a story where Philip's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Philip you’ll never forget.
How did Philip make you smile?