Roland Jack Roberts

Roland Jack Roberts born April 26, 1917 in Waller, Texas to Helen Anne and Geno Maxwell Roberts passed away from this earth on April 2, 2012 to join his parents, wife, Lorraine, brother, Preston and sister Hazel Blanch. He will be missed by his childen; Barbara Lynn DuMesnil , Diane Roberts Taylor, and Duane Roland Roberts, and wife, Beverly, Mary Carolyn Ellis and husband, Danny(deceased) and Jack's grandchildren; Peni Green married to Chris Green, Jon DuMesnil, Christi Craven married to John Craven, Anne Scharck married to Tim Scharck, Danna and Jim Arnett, Shawn Roberts, Shay Olinger married to Greg Olinger, Jenny married to Chad Grogan, and Will Roberts, Carolyn, and Jack's great-grandchildren, Jon LaRochelle, Sadie, Lee and Katie Green, Jack and Jake Craven, Sterling DuMesnil, Luke, Sam, and Andrew Scharck, Riley Kane Briggs, Anna Kaye and Laura Lee Olinger, Zane and Emma Arnett, and Alec Grogan . Jack and Lorraine moved to Angleton in the early 1940's where he began working at Dow Chemical for several years. He and his brother, Preston, began rice farming together in 1951-52 in Brazoria County, and Jack continued this work which he loved until his retirement in the 1980's. His greatest passion began when he was a young boy building and racing Midgets with A.J. Foyt's father, until his mom and dad raised their hands and said, "No more." As an adult, continuing his passion for all things fast, he became a Legend in the area for his expertise in car, boat, and motorcycle engine re-building and racing. In 1960 he raced at the Bonneville Salt Flats in his 1951 green Dodge coup, setting a record in his class of 163.78 miles per hour. When he was 83 he and one of his closest friends took a road- trip on their motorcycles to and from the California Redwoods. After retiring Jack opened a small shop he called the R & L where he repaired guns, rods and reels, and made engine parts. His other pastimes included hunting, fishing and souping- up his lawn mower. He was loved by many including all those at the Hometown Caf, Sunny Hearts, Dunc's Hawg Shop, those at the Icehouse Bar and Grill that cooked his steaks and burgers, and, of course, his cats: Harry, Sister, Crissy, Widget "Kitchen cat", Ginger, Sugar and Curly Girl Visitation and Service will be held at Palms Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. respectfully. Honorary Pallbearers are Karol Miller, Jimmy Short, Steve Duncan, Randy Stanger, Ed Fourney, Bobby Stewart, Robert Stewart, Gene Humphreys, Buddy Rieves, Horris Parsons, and Leslie (Skip) Perry Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Roland Jack Roberts, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Wednesday, April 4th, 2012 5:30pm - 6:30am, Palms Funeral Home 2300 E. Mulberry Angleton, TX 77515 Service Information Wednesday, April 4th, 2012 6:30pm, Palms Funeral Home 2300 E. Mulberry Angleton, TX 77515