Stephen E. Roberts

Steve Roberts had a big smile, easy way, generous spirit and genuine love of life. From his birth on the first day of Spring, March 20, 1939, until he passed peacefully surrounded by family on December 9, 2020, he enjoyed the ride. For all lucky enough to have known him, he will be remembered for the big-hearted person he was, and we will cherish our memories and always keep him in our hearts. Steve graduated from Rogers High School, lettered in all sports and played on the 1957 Mountaineers State Championship basketball team. He attended Oklahoma State University and earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business and an MBA in 1962, while also playing basketball and football for the Cowboys. Steve met his love, Barbara Jean Crain of Springdale, while out with friends dancing at Shadow Lake, Noel, Mo. Upon graduation, Steve and Barbara were married, and they continued the dance together for the next 50 years. Steve was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served in the VMA Air Group 533. He exemplified Semper Fi - always faithful. These early years in the Marines, and then his work with Shell Oil Company, were spent in cities on the East coast before they returned to Rogers to raise a family, joining his father, Harold, to build Rogers Land Company. Steve was a Real Estate Broker for over 45 years, welcoming hundreds of clients as friends and introducing them to Rogers and NW Arkansas. During this time, he served as Director of the Rogers Board of Realtors and became a Lifetime Member of the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors. He was a longtime member of the Rogers Planning Commission, The Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce, and The Rogers Mountaineer Athletic Hall of Fame. Steve also trained and served as a First United Methodist Stephen Minister. Steve traveled the world and embraced the adventures with joie de vivre! His travel crew could always count on him to scope out the scene wherever they landed. Whether walking, dancing or running, sometimes winning at craps, driving his family to Colorado for annual ski trips (still skiing with his kids at age 80!), taking guys' fishing trips, relaxing outside at his home in War Eagle, listening to music, or grilling some of the best chicken and ribs this side of Memphis – he made great memories with all of us. He was a loyal Razorback fan, attending the Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball games, in both Barnhill and Bud Walton. He loved live music, especially the Blues (shout out to King Biscuit and Eureka Springs Blues Festivals) or the many AMP VIP concerts he enjoyed with Bonnie and friends. He was our father, he was our friend, and as Bailey says, "He was the best Papa ever" and we will miss his laugh. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Roberts; his parents, Harold & Loretta Roberts; his brother, Larry Roberts; and his nephew, Matthew Roberts. He is survived by his loving companion Bonnie Hardy Deason of Rogers; Daughter, Kelli Roberts and Son-in-Law, Rich Brya of Rogers; Son, Mike Roberts and Partner, Steve Thompson of Charlotte, N.C.; Daughter, Dina Roberts, Ph.D. of Olympia, Wash.; Granddaughter, Bailey Brya of Washington, D.C.; Isaac & Ana Thompson of Santa Clarita, Calif.; Josh Thompson of Charlotte, N.C.; Liz Thompson & Jong Pak of Chicago, Ill.; Jared Thompson of Rogers, Ark.; Sister, Lynn Johnson of Rogers, Ark.; Sister-In-Law, Kathy Roberts of Logan, Utah; Brother, Bill and Sister-In-Law Cathy Roberts of New Braunfels, Texas; Brother-in-Law, Dr. Jack and Linda Crain of Charlotte, N.C.; Brother-in-Law, David Crain and Husband Bob Pitman, Santa Cruz, Calif.; Nieces, Nephew, Cousins, and his many life-long friends, including The Friday Night Group; Frisco Club; The Cabinet; and Gourmet Club. Due to COVID-19 and respecting his wishes, we will not be having a formal service at this time, but rather an outdoor celebration of his life later in 2021. Arrangements are by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers, Ark., and condolences may be expressed at www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com. In remembrance, please consider a memorial donation to: Rogers Activity Center, 315 W. Olive St, Rogers, Ark., 72756. Please specify Steve Roberts Memorial to support youth sports scholarships. Beaver Watershed Alliance - donate on Steve's behalf to protect the War Eagle and Beaver Lake Watershed www.beaverwatershedalliance.org/donate/.