David Eugene Roberts

David Eugene Roberts was born April 23, 1947, in Tulsa OK. He is survived by his wife Colleen, and children Audrey Hamad, Jennifer Arnold, Holly Rutledge, and Kyle Roberts. He is also survived by his grandchildren Krystle Vaughan, Blake Moore, Keifer Arnold, Jensen Arnold, and Jace Arnold, as well as his sister Hope Roberts and brother Joe Ragsdale. He is predeceased by his parents Joe and Sarah Ragsdale, his wife Lucy Roberts, and a grandson, Jared Roberts.

David graduated from Stillwell High School in 1965 and immediately enlisted in the Army. As occurred throughout Dave's life, his leadership and dedication was recognized by his superior officers and he was chosen for flight school to become a helicopter pilot. Dave served two tours of duty in Vietnam, often taking fire from the ground as he flew missions. As with most combat veterans, Dave rarely spoke of his time in combat. He was a highly decorated soldier, including an Air Medal for Heroism, with Valor. Dave's military service continued with the Army National Guard, upon his return to the States.

Once home, he served 7 years as a police officer for the Tulsa Police Department, achieving the rank of Corporal and obtaining his Bachelor's degree from NE University- while working full time. He left TPD and became an agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and no surprise, rose to the rank of RAC (Resident Agent in charge) of the Tulsa office. Upon retirement from ATF, Dave became the Director of the Marshall Service for the Cherokee Nation. Dave took the Marshall Service from a five man operation to a modern, well trained law enforcement branch for the 7000 square mile Cherokee Nation.

Dave's last assignment was as Vice-President of Security for Cherokee Nation Enterprises. He oversaw security for all the casinos and businesses, having set up the extensive security and surveillance that exists in all the casinos.

Dave's battles weren't over. As a result of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, he had a quadruple bypass and diabetes. In 2013 he lost his vision, and in 2018 Parkinson's entered his body. Like the hero he was, he fought these diseases until his body could fight no more. Dave's battle ended peacefully, in his home, with family beside him.

Dave loved his family, friends, dogs, guns, OU Football and NY Yankees baseball.

David was a true soldier who served his country honorably and with dignity. His celebration of life and going away party will be held at Schaudts Tulsa Funeral Service Chapel, 5757 S Memorial Dr, on March 19th at 2 pm.

Donations can be made to the Agent Orange Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (vvmf.org › topics › Agent-Orange) or to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's (michaeljfox.org/donate)