Don R. Roberts

Dr. DON R. ROBERTS, of Little Rock, who served as both director of the Arkansas Department of Education and superintendent of the Little Rock School District and for whom Roberts Elementary School is named, died Wednesday, May 23, 2012, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's and cancer. He was 77. Dr. Roberts embarked early on in his chosen profession as an education administrator, having been a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent by age 29. His 44-year career brought him national acclaim, including the citation by the Danforth Foundation as one of the nation's "most highly respected educators." Born in McNeil to the late William and Lillian Roberts, Dr. Roberts earned his bachelor and master's degrees from Henderson State College (now University) at Arkadelphia. He interrupted his college career after 18 months to join the Marines for two years and served as a sergeant in the Korean War. He returned to HSC to complete work on his bachelor and master's degrees and in 1969, received a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He began his life's work as a teacher and coach in Weston, Oregon, and while there was promoted to principal and superintendent. As a Danforth Foundation fellow, he studied administration in 1974 at the National Academy of School Executives. He returned to Arkansas in 1965 as interim deputy superintendent and later as assistant superintendent under Paul Fair, leaving in 1974 to become superintendent of the Newport News, Va., schools. In 1979, he came back as head of the state Department of Education, a position he held for five years. In 1984, the Amarillo, Texas, Independent School District appointed him superintendent but he was called to the 105,000-student Fort Worth public schools two years later, retiring in 1994. After two years' retirement from Fort Worth, he was asked to become interim superintendent of the Little Rock District and to serve until a suitable replacement could be found. He retired again in 2003 after having accepted appointment as director of the Arkansas Retired Teacher Association, of which he had been a lifelong member. When chosen to be interim superintendent at Little Rock, Arkansas Business said he commanded respect "far and wide from educators, administrators and the business community." After his retirement from Newport News, the Times-Herald newspaper of that city noted editorially that Dr. Roberts in four years had "made an impact upon this community and, indeed, upon the Commonwealth as a realistic, fearless and tenacious proponent of his education principles." As he retired from the Little Rock School District, the Arkansas Times said he had "produced an uncommon period of tranquility." And the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette called him "a man everyone could trust, and did." At the dedication of the Roberts Elementary School at Taylor Loop West and Cantrell Road, Dr. Roberts gave the school its motto and guiding force, "Always do the right thing." It was a rule by which he lived his own life. Don Runyan Roberts and his wife, the former Janis Kizzia, were married 54 years ago May 17. She survives as do their three children and spouses, Don Roberts Jr., and his wife Sandy of Maumelle, Jon Roberts and his wife Melanie of North Little Rock, and Susan Roberts Robbins and her husband John of Tyler, Texas. Grandchildren are Carly and Camryn Roberts of Maumelle, Lauren (Mrs. Jeff) McEwen, Jake and Erika Roberts of North Little Rock, and Rachel and Sam Robbins of Tyler. The McEwens' son Eric is the first and only great-grandchild. Other survivors are a sister, Cathryn McLean of La Grand, Oregon, and many nieces and nephews. The family expresses their gratitude and appreciation for the superb care provided by Dr. Brad Baltz, oncologist, and his staff, and to Dr. Roberts' three caregivers, Peggy Johnson, Billie Rhoden and Benita Johnson. Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Delight, hometown of Mrs. Roberts. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Little Rock, of which Dr. Roberts was a member. Presiding will be Reverends Ed Matthews and Michael Mattox. A reception in the church gymnasium by the Bowen-Cabe Sunday School Class, Dr. Roberts' class, will follow the memorial service. There will be a visitation from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, May 28, 2012, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201, or to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.