Martin Roberts III

Martin Luther Roberts III was born on March 20, 1947, in Baird, Texas. Martin lived most of his life in Clyde, TX and graduated 16th in his class, of course there were only about 16 kids in his class!

The spring of ‘66, Martin met the love of his life, Brenda, while she and her family were dropping off her brother Andrew at the Air Force base in Abilene. Their love story started out at a Sunday church service. Brenda spied Martin while he was singing in the choir. To her surprise and everyone else around, including an old girlfriend, Martin decided to sit next to her for the service.  After church, Martin invited Brenda, Andrew and his “wingman” to go out for ice cream and putt-putt. Andrew and Martin’s wingman eventually ditched the two of them so they could have some alone time together. Everything was going great until Martin pulled into the Derrick Motel….Little did she know that his parents owned and lived at the motel.  With great relief, she discovered that this is where she would be staying during her trip.

Their first date ended and both Brenda and Martin returned to their usual routine, Brenda in Vidor and Martin in Abilene ending their brief encounter. The next time they saw each other was when Martin showed up one day “giving Andrew a ride home.” Brenda and Martin had both graduated by this time and they took advantage of every opportunity to be together. As their love for each other grew, they knew they were meant for each other.

In August, they tied the knot and moved to Waxahachie, TX, where Martin attended Bible School. Their love was strong and money was tight, especially the next year when their first daughter Robin was born.  Shortly after Robin’s birth, they moved back to Abilene then Vidor and eventually Orange, TX, where Martin began working for Bethlehem Steel and later began his 25 year career with Mobil Oil.  In 1970 they welcomed their son, Martin Roberts IV to the family.

Martin was determined to provide a good life for his family. In order to provide the absolute best, he began his own construction company, Roberts Custom Homes, building houses all over Southeast Texas while still working full-time for Mobil Oil.

In 1977, Martin and Brenda were blessed with two additional children, Tracey and Stacy.

The family of six lived in Vidor for the next 17 years celebrating the birthdays, graduations, and weddings of their children. One of the things Martin enjoyed most was spending time with and coaching his children in little league baseball, even though he spent most of his time yelling at the referees! During this time, Martin loved God and was a faithful member of the Vidor Assembly of God where both Martin and Brenda held multiple positions in the church.

In 1988, they were blessed with their first grandchild, Amanda, who was soon followed by 13 additional grandchildren over the years and they were all spoiled rotten.

As if they were not busy enough with Mobil, Roberts Custom Homes and church they decided to build a local tea room and Skating Rink. Some of the best days were spent at their rink. They were so blessed throughout that time with many children who adopted them as another grandparent.

While operating the skating rink, God called Martin to complete mission work in Mexico and Africa. This experience of completing mission work in Mexico was shared with their grandchildren as well.  In 2005, Hurricane Rita hit Southeast Texas and disrupted their plans, but God had bigger plans for them. This trial and tribulation provided the means to purchase a Ranch which had always been Martin’s dream.

Martin and Brenda settled into Ranch life with everything from cows, chickens, donkeys, horses, ducks and a big old dog named TRUMP.

God blessed this family for 57 years with a faithful walk with Jesus and a growing family.  The 13 grandchildren now expanded to include 8 great-grandchildren.  Pawpaw’s ranch was a place where adventures were everywhere, chasing cows, climbing trees, fishing, gathering eggs and being chased by the roosters are just a few of the life-long memories the children will carry into their futures.

On February 26, 2024, our larger than life, God-fearing, amazing husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went home to be with the Lord. Martin never feared death because he knew with all his heart where his next home would be.  His biggest hope and prayer was that all 30 of his family members would join him one sweet day.  What a day that will be!

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Roberts; children, Robin Mauer and her husband, Kevin, of Lumberton; Tracey Rich and her husband, George, of Vidor; Martin Roberts IV “Bubba” and his wife, Melissa, of Kirbyville; and Stacy Higgins and Michelle of Minden; grandchildren, Amanda Roberts and her husband, Matthew, of Lumberton; Ashley Porter and her husband, Dayton, of Benton, Louisiana; Kyle Rich and his wife, Brooke, of Vidor; Josh Rich and his wife, Rachel, of Vidor; Darcy Roberts and Anna Roberts of Kirbyville; Haley Higgins of Austin; Trina Mires and her husband, Devon, of Orange; Lily Higgins of Beaumont; Samuel Higgins, Sophia Higgins, Asher Higgins, Simeon Higgins, and Phoebe Higgins, all of Minden; and great-grandchildren, Bryce Roberts, Emily Roberts, Tripp Porter, Tucker Porter, Jane E. Rich, Harrison Rich, Melody Gerstenberg and Rainn Gerstenberg.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elaine and Martin Roberts, Jr.; siblings, Kenneth Roberts, Brenda Higgins, and Michael Roberts.

A gathering of Mr. Roberts’ family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024. His funeral service will be 12:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.