Walter W. Roeber

Walter W. Roeber of Crane passed away Feb. 23, 2012, at the age of 89 years and 11 months.

Walt was born March 21, 1922, in Dilworth to Max Willie and Elsa Sophia Korff Roeber. His parents were farmers, and Walt learned early the value of work.

Walt attended a one-room schoolhouse through the seventh grade, riding to school on a horse behind his brother, Raymond. His father made him repeat the seventh grade because he had all “A’s” and his daddy didn’t think he was that smart. So he repeated the all “A’s” and continued his education in Gonzales.

Walt graduated from Gonzales High School in 1939, and in later years enjoyed the high school reunions held in Gonzales. After high school, which was 11 years, he became the school’s first 12th grader, when he asked the principal if he could continue his education.

Following another nine months at Baldwin Business College, he took a civil service job in San Antonio. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, but the requirement was that men be 21 to enlist. It is now safe to admit that he forged his mother’s signature on the enlistment papers.

He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, hitch-hiking home to save money. Walt continued his education at the University of Texas via the GI Bill, receiving a BBA in 1949.

He moved to Monahans in June 1949 to work as an accountant at the Coca-Cola plant for Conrad Dunagan.

He met and married Betty Beavers June 11, 1953, in the First Baptist Church of Monahans. Walt and Betty celebrated their 50th anniversary by going to Hawaii, the 50th state.

Walt was always civic minded. He was an active member of the Monahans Jaycees, chamber of commerce, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pecan Perfection Show, Lobo Booster Club, Lobo Band Booster and the Monahans Ambassadors – and was president of each of those organizations at least once. He was elected to the Monahans City Council in 1978, and was proud to be mayor from 1991-93. In addition to holding all the local offices in Lions Club, he was also a zone chairman, delegate to the International Convention and a District Governor.

He received the Jaycees Outstanding Young Man Award, the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and was elected one of the seven National Jaycee Directors for the state of Texas. Walt was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of Monahans in 1978, and was proclaimed an Outstanding Citizen of the State of Texas.

Walt was a State Farm Insurance agent for 50 years, retiring in June 2011. He attended numerous state and national conventions, including two conventions in Germany.

He enjoyed beekeeping with his son Doug, tried his hand at raising pecans and ventured into the oil business with Walbet Inc. He loved to fish, play dominos and bridge, watch old westerns and visit with numerous friends. He especially enjoyed the family reunions and his high school reunions.

He lived the Roeber family motto: Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond Phillip Roeber.

Walt is survived by Betty, his wife of 58 years; sons Robert Roeber and Doug Roeber and wife Candy, all of Monahans; daughter Susan Roeber of Midland; and two grandchildren who were the light of his life, Elizabeth Nichole Roeber and John Douglas Roeber, both of Monahans. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Mildred Roeber of Gonzales; nephew Phillip Roeber of Gonzales; great-nieces Kelli Roeber and Presley Roeber of Austin; numerous cousins and many friends; and his much-loved and appreciated State Farm family, LeeAnn Laymon, Marissa Layton and Kim Barron.

Family visitation was held Sunday, Feb. 26, at Harkey Funeral Home. Services were held Monday, Feb. 27, at First Baptist Church in Monahans.

A heartfelt thank you is expressed by the family to the staffs of the Seabury Nursing Rehab Center in Odessa and the Crane Nursing Home for the care given to our beloved Papa.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monahans, or the Lions Club Children’s Camp in Kerrville.