Warnell Roberson

Warnell Roberson, age 78, of Plano Texas, died on April 28, 2015. Warnell was the son of Rosie Lee Short and Edgar Roberson Sr. He was predeceased by his brother Edgar Roberson Jr. in 1970. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Frances Faye Glenn Roberson, and his two sons, Ricki L. Roberson, (spouse -Tricia Senft) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Donri C. Roberson of Saudi Arabia, daughter-in-law, Darcquise Lavergne, four grandchildren Austin Roberson Senft, age 20, Hunter Roberson Senft , age 17, Kaescha Roberson , age 24, Michel Lavergne, age 39, Great Grand- child, Kaehson Nathan, age 4, his sister-in-law Gail Roberson and her children Renee, Edgar III., Rhonda, Regina, Raiona, Rolanda and Rowena. He is survived by 12 Grand Nieces and Nephews and 20 Great Grand Children.
He is a native of Dallas, Texas and attended Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas on a football scholarship where he graduated in 1957. He was recently inducted into the Wiley College Athletics Hall of Fame recognized as a member of the 1957 SWAC Championship Team on November 1, 2014. Mr. Roberson started his career with General Motors Corporation where he worked on the assembly line on car upholstery. Warnell left GM to pursue a new career joining Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp. in 1968 as a sales representative in Dallas, Texas. He went on to serve in that same capacity in La Habra, California in 1970. Warnell enjoyed a successful career eventually retiring as VP of Marketing in 1991.
He founded his own company in Dallas, Texas, Triplex Industries, in 1995, which distributed textiles, paper products and health supplies to numerous customers throughout the region.
Warnell was also an accomplished author publishing two books, one of which was titled "Can You See What I See"? which emphasized God's work in the lives of two men on very different paths.
Warnell was very active with the Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. He was a leader, serving on the Church's Board. He also taught adult and young adult Sunday school and volunteered his time serving in many different roles within the Church.
He was an avid golfer, involved in the community, specifically with two organizations; First Tee (a golf program for at- risk youths), and a charity called Family Promise. One of his favorite past times was having friends over for his infamous steak and BBQ dinners, and watching the Dallas Cowboys or Mavericks depending on the season. Dad had a love hate relationship with both teams and loved sharing his thoughts on how he would do things differently if given the opportunity.
Warnell enjoyed reading, discussing politics, and spending time with his friends.
What Ricki and Donri remember most about their Dad is watching him plan for their family vacations. They remember Warnell mapping out their journey and ensuring that every stop had a Holiday Inn with a pool, of course. Their most memorable trips included Honolulu, Hawaii, and the boys spending their days at the beach while Warnell and Frances danced the night away at a Hawaiian Luau. Another trip took them to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. Ricki recalled that he broke two toes in a biking accident that particular summer, but not to be deterred, they both recall Dad carrying him throughout the entire Zoo. They will forever remember how selfless and strong their Dad was. Donri remembers that back then you could still drive your car through the Wild Animal Park just like a safari. When a Lion hopped up on the hood of their car, they remember Dad without missing a beat narrating the activity and behavior of the Lion, what the Lion was thinking and what we should learn. They recall laughing so hard and remembering the feeling of being scared and excited at the same time. Finally, Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada their Dad got them their own room on the 45th floor. Rick and Donri reminisced about Dad trusting them with their own hotel key, ordering their own room service and having dinner on the balcony overlooking the Vegas lights. It was truly a rite of passage for them both.
The entire family will miss Warnell's powerful presence, wisdom and listening ear. He leaves to mourn a host of family and friends that will forever celebrate his love of life. A memorial service to honor Warnell will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, Texas 75023. If desired, donations are suggested to The First Tee of Dallas, www.thefirstteedallas.org or to
Family Promise at www.familypromise.org