Leon Roberts

Leon Roberts passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 almost exactly 8 months after the death of his beloved wife, Kay.  He was born to Homer Woodrow and Flossie Fay Roberts in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 5,1937.  His family moved to Kenedy where he attended early elementary school, but soon returned to Corpus Christi, where he graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1956 and then earned his Associates Degree from Del Mar College.

His childhood was spent enjoying all that Corpus Christi offered in the ‘50s - surf fishing, beach days, boating; and in his teenage years, cruising in his ’57 Chevy.  All of that became secondary when he met Kay Knippa, who soon became his singular focus.  They met, dated through her first year at Texas Lutheran College and then married September 3, 1961.  They began their married life in Corpus Christi, where Leon began his long career in pharmaceutical sales.  Beginning with Southwestern Drug Corporation, Leon traveled the roads between small towns throughout South Texas calling on independent pharmacists.  The relationships that he built with these customers grew throughout the years, and became the foundation of his business.  Although both the wholesalers he worked for and the nature of the business changed over the years; his commitment to the pharmacists and the pharmacies in his territories never wavered.

When Leon began working for Behrens Drug Company, his territory moved farther north; and with that came a move to Brenham. He and his family happily settled in Washington County where they became active members of Christ Lutheran Church.

He loved traveling with Kay - and was as happy driving the back roads of Texas, as he was in a rental car in the Italian countryside.  They loved St Maarten and England, Hawaii and Scotland - and frequently felt the conflict of wanting to revisit places that they had so enjoyed the first time and the need to see places that they had only read about. Their last big trip was to Paris for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011.

Leon discovered golf after his move to Brenham - which began a decades long pursuit of a better golf game.  Watching golf tournaments on tv and in person was second only to a foursome with his buddies on the course at Brenham Country Club.

He loved playing golf on days that it wasn’t too hot, visits with his children and grandchildren, solving the world’s problems over coffee at Kenjura Pharmacy, turkey and dressing at Santa Fe Cafe, and cutting up with Kay and their friends at Uncle Willie’s Place.  He loved a good joke, but wasn’t opposed to a bad one; and his laugh is missed already.

Leon is survived by his daughters, Shelley Roberts O’Neill and her husband, John, of Annapolis, MD; Macy Roberts and Albert Garcia, of Lago Vista, TX.  Grandchildren are Conner Roberts O’Neill and his wife, Britany of Kingsland, GA; Carey O’Neill of Hoboken, NJ, and Cullen O’Neill of Charleston, SC.  Extended family include brother-in-law, Chuck Lick and his wife Nancy, of Sun City, Tx; and nephew Brian Lick of Anchorage, AK.  Butch and Betty Bugaj are the friends who became family and made his and Kay’s life so much fun.

He was predeceased by his wife, Kay; his parents Homer and Flossie Roberts, his sister, Barbara Whitlock, and his sister-in-law, Garilyn Knippa.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation for the loving care provided by Rachel Webb, Brandy Mathis, Pauline Conway, Synthia Mathis, and Kina Griffin.  Their kindness and attention to detail were invaluable at a very challenging time.  Grateful appreciation goes to Mary Sullivan at Remarkable Hospice and the rest of the staff for ensuring that Leon and his family were cared for throughout.

Serving as pallbearers will be John O'Neill, Albert Garcia, Butch Bugaj, Atwood Kenjura, Dane Houston, and Donald Spiess.

Honorary pallbearers include: his grandchildren, the morning coffee group at Kenjura Pharmacy, the many golfing partners over the years, and the staff at Santa Fe Cafe.

Visitation is Wednesday, April 21 at Memorial Oaks from noon to 8pm.  Family members will be in attendance from 6-8pm.   Leon’s funeral service will be Thursday, April 22 at 10am at Christ Lutheran Church Brenham, with burial following at Oak Rest Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, Brenham, TX.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.