Michael "Mike" Roberts

Michael “Mike” Lex Roberts, a man beloved by his family, friends, colleagues and community, was suddenly called to be with the Lord on Jan. 20. He passed away in Willcox, at the age of 58. Born in Glendale, Calif., to the late James Lexington Roberts and Hester Mozel Ayers, Mike was the second of two sons. He shared a special bond with his older brother, Randy, who became his next-door neighbor later in life. In 1966, his family moved to Arizona where Mike put down roots. He began courting his wife Karen (Moseley) at the age of 16, and married her on March 22, 1974, in Tucson. They grew up together and enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage. Mike was also blessed with two sons, Paul and James, to whom he taught a variety of life skills including hunting, mechanics, electrical work and fishing. He was proud to become a grandfather in 2009 to Paul’s son, Bailey. Mike was a curious and intelligent builder who was naturally adept with technical abilities. One of his major life accomplishments was becoming a licensed pilot, and he enjoyed fixing and flying his airplanes in his free time. An avid outdoor sportsman, Mike also loved to explore the wilderness with family and friends on annual camping and hunting trips. In 2010, he moved with Karen to a picturesque family plot of land just outside of Bisbee. It’s here that he designed and built their dream home from scratch. He enjoyed continuously working on projects to enhance their property, and especially liked collecting and fixing large “toys” such as trucks, jeeps and tractors. Mike was a loyal employee of Southwest Gas for 27 years and was due to retire in April. He is remembered by many for being a hard working man with a unique sense of humor, and someone who was 100 percent genuine in everything he did. He is survived by his wife, Karen Marie Roberts of Bisbee; sons, Paul Michael Roberts of Bisbee and James Mac (Virginia) Roberts of Surprise, AZ.; grandson, Bailey (Paul) Baker of Tucson; brother, Randy Robert(Marlene) Roberts of Bisbee; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held in Mike’s honor at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, in the chapel at East Lawn Palms, 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ, 85712. All are welcome to attend.

Michael "Mike" Roberts

March 25, 1955 - January 20, 2014