Ernst E. Roberts

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ernst E. (Ernie) Roberts completed life’s cycle on Sunday, September 28, 2014. His life was full in every respect – married for 65 years on December 27 to his love for all eternity, Donna Clare Davis (Roberts). In marriage, they created a family comprised of Dr. Ernst E. Roberts II and Carol Lee Gaydac; two grandsons to the union of Ernst II and Laurel Anderson (Roberts), Evan Edward Roberts married to Shannon Dobelbower (Roberts) and Alan Andrew Roberts; two granddaughters to the union of Carol and Tim Gaydac – Ashlee Gaydac (Beatty) married to Robert Beatty and Christie Gaydac. Ernie also had great-grandchildren Ellery Elaine Roberts and Carter Lee Gaydac. Evan Roberts is a Dental Officer currently serving as a Captain in the United States Air Force. Alan Roberts is a graduate of Texas A&M and is pursuing a Masters in Business Administration at Texas State University. Ashlee Beatty lives with her husband Robert in Parkersburg, WV where she is teaching second grade. Christie Gaydac is working as a Certified Nurse Assistant in the Parkersburg, WV area. General Roberts is a 1949 Graduate of West Point, the United States Military Academy. He completed his military career at Fort Bliss, serving two years as the Assistant Commandant of the Air Defense School. As a military officer, General Roberts earned numerous military awards to include the Silver Star for his service in the Korean War, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal. Ernie was awarded the highest award bestowed upon a layman by the Vatican. Pope Paul presented him with Pro ECCLESIA et Pontifice award for his Catholic leadership while serving in Korea. Upon his retirement from the Army, he joined the Texas Commerce Bank, currently J.P. Morgan Chase bank, and worked his way up eventually becoming the Executive Vice President. Ernie was best known for his extensive civic involvement. As a Rotarian, Ernie served as Club President. He served as the first Chairman of the Sun Bowl Luncheon committee. At the request of Mayor Rogers, Ernie served as Chairman for the Capital Fund Drive addressing $100 million in capital improvements for the city. For his community service, he was awarded the El Conquistador Award by the Mayor. Ernie was also very instrumental in saving the Plaza Theater in downtown El Paso. Through a grassroots effort, he was able to fund raise the money needed to save this local treasure. General Roberts was the second of three sons of Charles Emmitt Roberts, Sr. and Virginia Mae Stephenson. His brothers who preceded him in death were John Sheppard Roberts, Chief Petty Officer, USN (Ret.), and Rev. Charles Emmitt Roberts, Jr. General Roberts parents both were life-long residents of West Virginia, and graduates of West Virginia University. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 9:00pm with a Rosary at 7:00pm on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Funeral Mass will begin at 12 noon on Friday, October 3, 2014 at St. Raphael Catholic Church. Committal Service will follow at 1:30pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.