Theron James “T.J.” Roberts, Jr., 81, passed away surrounded by family February 23, 2024, at Medicalodges, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on April 10, 1942, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Theron Sr. and Georgia (Grizzle) Roberts. On July 21, 2006, he married Sue Foster in Great Bend, Kansas.
A graduate from Great Bend High School, T.J. worked for Kansas Gas for 47 years, retiring in 2009. He served in the Army and Army Reserves for 27 years. T.J. was also involved in many entrepreneurial endeavors over the years, but he was best known for his BBQ at Sue’s BBQ, which he and his wife ran for over 30 years. He was a member of the American Legion and Ellinwood Community Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; sons, Lance (Alisha) Roberts of San Diego, California, and Gregory (Chris) Arnold of Liberty, Missouri; daughters, Angela (Myron) Wilder of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Lisa (Roy) Reed of Stuarts Draft, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Shad, Lacey, Kansas, Grace, Sam, Austin, Taylor, and Claire; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Max (Kathy) Roberts of Ellinwood, Kansas; sister, Georgiana Yasko of Winter Springs, Florida; brother-in-law, Larry Gustin of Wichita, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; and four-legged buddy, Blaze.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerry Roberts; sister, Marsha Gustin; brother-in-law, Mickey Yasko; and nephew, Wade Gustin.
Visitation will take place from noon to 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2024, with family receiving guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Ellinwood Community Church with Pastor Bill Johnson presiding. Interment will follow at Lakin Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood, Kansas, with military honors provided by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to the Rugged Hands Outreach or Quilts of Valor, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.