Harlan E. Roberts, Sr.
On Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, Harlan E. Roberts, Sr., passed into Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life was one of love for his family and friends, honor, integrity and joy. His life was a gift to us all as he was truly a Man of La Mancha who fought for the “right” without question or cause and he marched into hell for a heavenly cause. We love h
im and will miss him terribly.
Harlan is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Roberts; his wonderful children, Robin Roberts, Regina Venegas, Harlan E. Roberts, II, and wife, Bobbi Kaye Roberts, and Rachael Christine Roberts; his grandchildren: Harlan Cole Roberts, Caroline Margaret Venegas and Savannah Claire Venegas; cousins, Carol Roberts Boer and husband, Michael Boer, and Gerald Roberts; numerous nieces and nephews; aunts, Clara Belle Connor and Mary Sue Wayland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Lamar Mahler and husband, Lamar Mahler, James Michael Tullos and Evelyn Ronchetti, and his A&M Class of ‘64 brothers.
Our Harlan hailed from Lockhart, Texas, and after a stellar high school career where he graduated with honors, he attended Texas A&M University in College Station and was a member of Company B-1 where he excelled in academic studies as Distinguished Student six semesters while proving himself a leader as Third Brigade Commander, a member of the Ross Volunteers, the Corp of Cadets Staff, and President of the Student Body. He graduated in 1964 as a Distinguished Military Graduate With Honors.
Harlan entered the United States Army and earned his wings as a member of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles and is a Vietnam Veteran. During his service to his country he earned and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Bronze Star with V Device (for Valor in Combat).
Upon his retirement from military service, Harlan spent 40 years as a builder, developer and land-planner. He began his career in residential building construction and sales management in Houston, Texas, in 1970. In 1971, Harlan and two partners established and grew the largest Red Carpet residential real estate franchise in the State of Texas.
Upon selling his portion of the company in 1976, he moved to Austin to take a management position with Bill Milburn Homes. Harlan continued the management and consultation of major, national building companies through his company Builder’s Marketing Group until 1995. At that time he began a second career as a residential land developer and consultant and relocated to New Braunfels, Texas. That career move led to participation in developing 28 subdivisions across the Southwest U.S.
Over the course of his professional career, Harlan’s desire to give back to his community prompted him to serve on numerous Boards of Directors throughout Texas. Upon moving to Aransas Pass, Harlan volunteered his time and expertise to helping the City of Aransas Pass and San Patricio County. He served on the Aransas Pass Planning and Zoning Committee, the Board of Directors for the San Patricio County Water Municipal District, San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation, and the Aransas Pass Municipal Development District. As a volunteer, labor of love for Aransas Pass, Harlan was the motivator and force behind the building and completion of the new $5 million dollar Aransas Pass Civic Center devoting an entire two years of his life to the project.
Harlan will live on in our hearts and memories and never be forgotten.
Visitation was held on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. with the family present from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel in Aransas Pass. A funeral service was conducted on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at 2 p.m., at the Charlie Marshall Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was scheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at 8:45 a.m., at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
The Roberts family would like to ask that in lieu of flowers you make a contribution to either the Harlan Roberts Coastal A&M Club Scholarship Fund (Barbara Hoskinson, President, 107 Oakland Hills, Portland, Texas, 78374) or the Harlan Roberts Class of ‘64 Sol Ross Scholarship, (George Nelson, ‘64 Co-Class Agent, 3051 Hickory Circle, Bryan, Texas, 77807-4854).
Arrangements entrusted to Charlie Marshall Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. (800) 482-2922.
