04/16/2026
MICHAEL EUGENE ROBERTS was born March 6, 1955, in Los Angeles, California to Rosa Roberts and Manuel Luna Rios. Mike’s father passed away when he was just four years old followed by his mother at age six. He and his four siblings were brought to Oklahoma to be raised by his mother’s extended family. Although the five were separated, they have retained a close bond. Aunt Betty was the central anchor for holidays and family gatherings.
In seventh grade, Mike began living with his Aunt JoAnn who already had seven children of her own. Mike became a big brother to all seven and considered them his second family. It was then that Mike became involved in sports. JoAnn and Jack were big supporters. Mike always said that he played better when his family was there to support him. He excelled in many sports even though he was smaller than most of his teammates. He made up for that with his speed. The family moved to Wagoner in Mike’s sophomore year and he became a true Bulldog, even becoming football captain in his senior year.
Mike spent his eighteenth birthday asking out the girl who was to become his wife of fifty years, Carol Winn. Following high school Mike attended Haskell Indian College in Lawrence, Kansas where he continued in sports. He returned to Oklahoma to be married. He attended NSU with the goal of becoming a coach. Instead he joined his uncles in their construction business. He credited them with his work ethic, construction knowledge and doing a job right.
In 1977, Mike “temporarily” moved back to Wagoner. He fulfilled his coaching goals by working with church youth and church leagues. Mike’s biggest joy was becoming a father. Coach Rogers Hayes is credited with the prediction of a third child when he warned Mike that you know that once you start they just keep coming. Thanks, Coach! Mike became a dad coach with all three children. He had to learn the game of soccer and adapt to coaching girls in softball. He spent lots of time at practice and games and loved every minute. Kids would be surprised with his still amazing speed when challenged to try to catch him and failing to do so.
Later he was back at the fields watching grandson, Michael, along with other soccer parents who were now there for their grandkids. His deep love for football led him to the job of spotter in the Bulldog announcer’s box. He watched them win state championships and his beloved granddaughter, Alex, perform with the band.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman. Grandpa Tiger taught him how to hunt and fish. He in turn enjoyed sharing what he knew with others. He also was generous with the bounty he brought home such as venison, summer sausage and fish for family reunions.
Mike helped to organize a city-wide church coed softball league. Each new year, the phone would ring with someone asking when the new season would begin. It had become Mike’s job to get things started. Mike loved the camaraderie on the field and the opportunity it provided to invite people to church.
Mike accepted Christ’s gift of salvation while in high school. His faith became deeper after marriage and returning to Wagoner. He worked with teenagers at church, attending camps, traveling to Six Flags, washing cars, and selling fireworks. He loved interacting with young people.
Mike joined Property Arts in 1991. He was foreman on both commercial and residential projects including some log homes. He once caught a ride home from a Cookson job in a helicopter. They circled the neighborhood kids who recognized Mike and all ran to meet him when he landed. Mike and his coworkers did quality work with humor thrown in. If you were the new guy, especially a summer high schooler, you could be sure you were going to be pranked and more than once if you were particularly gullible.
Mike retired from Property Arts in 2021. He loved the new freedom of retirement. His favorite thing was to call his younger brother and ask him where he was. When the answer was “at work”, Mike would say, “I’m sorry” and gave a big laugh.
Mike loved his church, Wagoner Church of the Nazarene. He assisted in building the original church in the 70’s. After a fire destroyed it in 2002, Mike was foreman and #1 volunteer building the current church. He often put in days with 8 hours of company time followed by 3-4 hours of volunteered time. He supported the church in roles of Sunday school teacher, choir member, board member, van driver, and many behind-the-scenes roles. He loved inviting and encouraging others to attend.
Mike’s first memorized Bible verse was 1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” He knew for a fact that his sins were forgiven and as a child of God his eternal home would be with Jesus. Mike parted from this life on April 11, 2026. In his final hours He clearly acknowledged his hope and assurance. . Many times he would leave others with the quote, “See you there or in the air.” We will indeed see him there.
Mike is survived by his wife, Carol, his three children, Curtis Roberts (Cyndi) of Wagoner, Andrea Roberts (Jared Hindman) of Sand Springs, Jimmy Roberts of Wagoner, and two grandchildren, Michael Corn and Alexandra Roberts of Wagoner, brothers, C.J. Roberts (Margaret) of Arkansas City, KS, Manuel Rios (Lori) of Broken Arrow, sister Bethina Gariboy of Lincoln, Nebraska. His “2nd family” sisters Sheryl Holt of Coweta, Kimberly Showman (Tony) of New Palestine, Indiana , Sandy Antelope of Wagoner, brothers Roger Henry (Debbie) of Wewoka, and Robbie Henry (Teri) of Broken Arrow.
His was predeceased by his mother, Rosa Roberts, father, Manuel Rios, sisters Kathy Furman, Carol Payne, Alyssa McCollum, Aunt JoAnn Satterfield, Aunt Betty and Uncle Marion McAnelly, and grandfather Jeff Tiger.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Wagoner Church of the Nazarene
1308 S. Dewey Ave.
Wagoner, OK 74467
