Lonnie E. Roberts

Lonnie E. Roberts, 73, of Sour Lake, peacefully slipped into the arms of Jesus on August 15, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born December 17, 1949, in El Campo, Texas to Polly Roberts and Lonnie Lee Roberts. His family relocated to Sour Lake in his formative years where he and his three brothers began and completed their education in the Hardin Jefferson school district. Lonnie pursued his love of baseball on the High School baseball team and went on to play for Wharton Junior College from 1968-1969.

Lonnie then made his way to Beaumont where he worked as an orderly at Baptist Hospital while attending Lamar University pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. It was during his time at the hospital that he met Kathy, a young nursing student who would become his future wife. Their romance blossomed and they were married on June 19, 1971. Shortly after, they welcomed Amy and Jill into their lives.

Lonnie began his career as an educator and coach in the Beaumont and Hardin Jefferson Independent school districts.  After completing his Master of Education, he rounded out his career in administration with Lumberton and Katy Independent School Districts. Lonnie found joy throughout his life connecting with others. His relationships with students extended beyond the classroom and the sports field. His professional colleagues quickly turned into life-long friendships.  Everyone he met and served alongside at church was truly a brother and sister in Christ. While all of these were important to Lonnie, nothing was more important than a family gathering. Whether it was two or twenty gathered, he would not miss an opportunity to connect with family.  Anyone who knew him can attest to his kind, generous, and loving nature. He always saw the good in people and went out of his way to encourage others.

Lonnie’s grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. He made time for them no matter how busy life got. Lonnie also insisted on his grandchildren calling him “Coach.” When Griffin was in 2nd grade he and Coach commenced the first ever “Cowboy Club.”  Club activities included such events ranging from an after-school trip to Cici’s pizza, a fistful of quarters for video games and endless soda refills to high school football games around the state and everything in between. When Polly was born, he bonded immediately to his Lil’ Darlin. Polly Belle brought with her all-things girly which in turn had Coach attending tea parties and taking her shopping whenever she could convince him. Trips to Wal-Mart turned into full blown shopping sprees. The last-born grandson, Fletcher Cole, the most active and outspoken of the 3 gave him a run for his money. Coach would rein him in with trips to DQ in his Tahoe as often as he could. As Fletcher told us after he passed, Coach was driving his white Tahoe through the streets of Heaven and that is how he will remember him.

Lonnie began experiencing problems with memory loss as early as 2015 and after several doctors and many tests, he was officially diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in July 2020. Lewy Body Dementia is not rare and is often confused with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease due to limited research. Characteristics of the disease include memory loss, sleep disorders, hallucinations and physical symptoms that limit mobility and range of motion. All these symptoms interrupted his daily life and progressively impaired his ability to communicate and connect with others.  However, Lonnie did not let this disease impact his heart. He remained cheerful and optimistic throughout the last three years of decline despite the pain and frustrations he was experiencing. There is still much research to be done and much to learn about Lewy Body Dementia.

Lonnie was lovingly cared for by many during the last several years. The family is especially grateful for Shan McMahon of Sour Lake, Christi Wilson of Orange, and Professional Healthcare Hospice of Beaumont.

Lonnie had an unwavering faith and love for Christ as his Lord and Savior. He centered his life around this faith and lived it out in how he loved life and the people he met. He is resting in the strong and loving arms of Jesus.

Lonnie was privileged to be an active member of various churches throughout his life and most recently First Baptist Church Sour Lake.

Lonnie is survived by his daughters, Amy Roberts of San Antonio, and Jill Roberts of Sour Lake; grandchildren, Griffin Roberts of San Antonio, Polly Belle Roberts of Sour Lake, and Fletcher Roberts of Sour Lake; brothers, Dale Roberts of China, and Cliff Roberts of Onalaska; mother of his children, Kathy Roberts of The Woodlands; and stepdaughters, Heather Turner and Natalie Stevens of Katy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Earnest Michael Roberts.

A gathering of Mr. Roberts’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 18, 2023, at Broussard’s, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions can be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc., 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, Georgia 30047.