Gary Michael Roberts of Wichita, Kansas passed away in his home on December 29th, 2025, 5 days before his 72nd birthday. He was born in Sallisaw, Oklahoma on January 2nd, 1954 to B.G. and Mamie (Leigh) Roberts.

Gary graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1972. He then attended Oklahoma University where he majored in Music Education, graduating in 1976. He played trombone in the OU Marching Band. He taught music in Ketchum and Lamont, OK from 1976 through 1981.

He then changed careers and worked as a pipeline dispatcher for Koch Industries. He remained with the company until his retirement in 2002 when he became legally blind and could no longer work. Koch brought Gary to Wichita, KS where he met his wife Sherry (Martin) when they were neighbors at Horizons East Apartments. They married on November 23rd, 1991.

Those who knew Gary would describe him as smart, hard-working, helpful, funny, and ornery. He was handy around the house and with cars and was often working on a project or fixing something up, even after he lost his vision. He was a big football fan, particularly the Oklahoma Sooners and the Kansas City Chiefs. He enjoyed listening to classic rock and stand-up comedy. He attended Newspring Church for the last 12 years of his life.

Gary's health gradually declined over the last 5 years but he still enjoyed going to the movies, out to eat, and to listen to live music with his wife Sherry. He had a big sweet tooth and enjoyed a good Coke and candy bar. He was a dog and bird lover and loved cats too, even if he wouldn't admit it. He had many pets throughout the years. Verna, his chocolate lab, was his constant companion and therapy dog throughout his health struggles in his later years. She passed away in September and her ashes will be buried alongside his.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, B.G. and Mamie Roberts. He is survived by his wife Sherry; daughter Ashley (partner Evan Swisher) and son Wesley of Wichita; sister Diane Hamilton of Norman, OK (husband Fred); sister Karen Roberts of Oklahoma City, OK; sister Christie Raybern of Oklahoma City (husband Scott); and nephew Nick Archibald of Oklahoma City (wife Maria and son Nathan.)

Gary's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, January 11th at 2:00 pm with reception to follow. It will take place at Hillside Christian Church in Wichita where he married his wife and dedicated his children. Please wear red in honor of Gary. He will be laid to rest at Akins Cemetery in Sallisaw. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kansas Humane Society or University of Oklahoma School of Music Fund in his memory.