R. Larry Dr. Roberts
November 24, 1939 ~ March 29, 2020
Dr. R. Larry Roberts, 80, retired high school principal, passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2020. Dr. Roberts was born November 24, 1939 in Fairview, Oklahoma to Johnnie Raymond and Sibyl Roberts. He spent his early years in Oklahoma until his family moved to Wichita in 1953. Larry graduated from Derby High School in 1958, where he played football, basketball, ran track, and was president of the student body his senior year. On April 8, 1961 Larry married Lynda Kay Maness of Wichita. He received his B.A. and M.A. at Wichita State University and earned his Ph.D. in Public Administration at Oklahoma State University. He was named principal of South High School in 1972. At the time, he was the youngest person ever to receive such an appointment. A beloved administrator by students and faculty, he served as principal from 1972-1978. At the height of school integration, he eased racial tensions and brought unity to a divided school. Following South, Dr. Roberts was named principal of East High School, where he remained until 1983. While at East, he implemented the International Baccalaureate program for gifted students. In 1980, he was honored as “Administrator of the Year” for outstanding contributions to educational leadership. Later, he served as principal of Buhler High School, Buhler, KS, where he was again honored for outstanding service. He also served as Headmaster of the Independent Upper School, Wichita. In addition to his many honors and awards, he was involved in numerous workshops, institutes and conferences as a lecturer, mentor and consultant for school districts in Kansas and Oklahoma. After retiring from education, Dr. Roberts pursued his interests in private business ventures. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his wife, two daughters and their families. Ever the eager participant, Larry entertained his family and students alike by dressing as an elf for school Christmas parties, scaring girl scouts as the “Leaf Monster” at a Halloween party, and wearing black to sing “Folsom Prison Blues” at a school talent show. He had a passion for music and frequently sang his favorites aloud. He loved his family dearly and devoted himself to their happiness. Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Roberts is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynda; daughter, Teri (Daniel) Blasi of Wichita; daughter, Lori Hanes of Keller, Texas; brother, Bill Roberts of Derby; sister, Sharon (Fred) Meyer of Wichita; and three adoring grandchildren, Alexandra Blasi, Jordan Hanes and Joshua Hanes. No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in memory of Dr. R. Larry Roberts. The family wishes to thank the many former students, teachers and parents, who over the years, have sent letters of gratitude to Dr. Roberts. Arrangements by Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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In memory of Dr. R. Larry Roberts, Mark Foster lit a candle
Dr. Roberts was an extraordinary person and principal. He helped thousands of students become successful adults. I know we will all miss him.
In memory of Dr. R. Larry Roberts, Brandi Frederick lit a candle
Dr. Roberts was the principal when I was at South High School. He was a man of integrity and a great leader. Everyone Loved him. My father was a teacher at East High School and really admired Dr. Roberts. May God Bless His family.
Have so many memories of Doc Roberts. I’ll nevet forget thr first time i met him. It was getting close to semester break and I was extremely inhappy at S.E. went in just to talk and he,Sam Allem,amd Rosemary Kirby werr so srlcoming
I want the second version to be published. Thanks.
Mrs. Roberts and girls I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man
Dr. Roberts was a great friend and an colleague in administration at Buhler School School in the late 1990s. “Doc” loved to interact with students in meaningful and often humorous ways, which endeared him to them all. A master at working and encouraging teachers to be innovative and to take risks, he also was a huge supporter of extra-curricular activities and the first to pat someone on the back for a job well done. We never knew the reason. Perhaps he wanted to make dressing less complicated or maybe he was just expressing himself in a dark phase. Either way, the students used affectionate nicknames such as he Godfather or Johnny Cash. In one unforgettable moment sang “Folsom Prison Blues” in an assembly, beginning with “I hear that train a coming.” In addition, my son and other music students served as his backup band. This is only one of many memories I will cherish.
He was a truly good principal as well as a good man. He will be truly missed
He was a great principle and all around good guy RIP
I used to see Dr. Roberts at Dillon’s almost everyday… Larry was a wonderful Principal and a very funny man when I would talk with him almost daily… Prayers to his Family!! May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand…
My Prayers and Condolences to the family…Larry was a friend and class mate to a part of my family (Macy’s) Fly with the Angels…RIP
so sorry to hear about Dr Roberts. He was principal at South while I was there 70-73
Rest In Peace Dr. Roberts. A great principal and truly nice guy. Wichita South Class of 1978.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. I loved Dr. Roberts when he was the principal at my high school.
Coolest Principal Ever! Class’75
Rest In Peace. Thank you for being a wonderful principal. Prayers for your family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Robert’s family. I was a graduate of the Wichita High School South class of 1976. I have been a school administrator for almost 40 years. Dr. Roberts was my role model for what it takes to support students. He was always there with a smile and a kind word to help you out with the hard times.
The best Principle ever at South High
Thank you Roberts family for sharing this dear man with so many. After 3 years of the turmoil of Truesdell, Dr. Roberts made going to school at South High a safe and enjoyable place to learn. I’ll always remember him fondly. M.H. South High 1975 grad.
Dr. Roberts left a lifetime imprint on me. I was at Roosevelt Intermediate in 1965 when he first started teaching. This is his yearbook photo as a math teacher. He was the benchmark in my life for how an educator could connect with a student. He made so many of us feel like we were the most important student to him.
Dr. Roberts left a lifetime imprint on me. I was at Roosevelt Intermediate in 1965 when he first started teaching. This is his yearbook photo as a math teacher. He was the benchmark in my life for how an educator could connect with a student. He made so many of us feel like we were the most important student to him.
Dr. Roberts was an amazing administrator. He did for South High what Dr. Longhofer did for Truesdell. The world is a better place for having had Dr. Roberts in it. Condolences and comfort to his loving family. Class of ’79.
Dr. Roberts was a remarkable person to know and have as a friend. Having already read the previous comments I have to agree with them. When he first came to South High emotional tensions were very high and his demeanor was “We will get through this”. He taught us to think for ourselves and be responsible for our actions. These are just two of the things I am sure he would want everyone who knew to teach everyone in our lives. Rest in Peace, You have our respect. Class of 1975
Dear Teri and family, So sorry to see the passing of your father. May God comfort you all during this difficult time in your family’s lives. Cherish the memories and stories. His spirit goes on and will always be with you. All of my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you at this time. Respectfully yours, Shirley Sagerty
Sending sincere condolences to your family during this heart breaking time. Xoxo
Dr. Roberts was my Principal at South High School. He was the epitome of “cool” Italian shoes, beautiful suits, and a red Corvette Stingray coupe. Most of all he took the position at a time when racial tensions could not have been higher and led students into a more calm and respectful mindset. He was truly inspirational.
1st principle I worked under at BHS He was a very serious person but when he laughed all the seriousness went away- he believed in dressing the part – didn’t think staff needed to ever wear jeans and men teacher should wear suits – he felt that the students would respect the staff better- if he could see it now – wow – he will be missed
Dr. Roberts was a young teacher when we met at Roosevelt Junior High in Wichita. I was in math and social studies as his student. He taught me so much about what a teacher and mentor should be. Later, I taught for 32 years, always keeping in mind the lessons he taught me far outside of subject matter. He was funny, he loved his students, he went out of his way to help, and he was always upbeat and happy, We’ve often laughed at the fact he would come out on English Street in his suit and dress shoes and tell us all to get back in the building! He wanted us IN school. He transferred me from one of his social studies sections to another because I talked too much. Found more friends in that class and he just shook his head. Thank you, Dr. Roberts, for everything. You have touched so many lives. Your life was well-lived and you have left a legacy for generations. May you rest in peace.
Ronald & I are so sorry for you loss. Out thoughts and prayers are with all the family. God be with each of you. Ronald & Nancy Haffner
He was the best principal and mentor. He will be sorely missed.
Mr Roberts was just such an awesome person. He would always have a smile and took the time to talk with anyone. Such a caring person. He was a wonderful mentor to so many students. In High School you always felt like he was one adult you could talk to. He will be missed, but never forgotten. RIP Mr Roberts.
I was proud to call Larry my friend. He was a special man who had a dedication to education like no one I’ve ever known. From about 1984 on we were very close and I will miss him terribly. He and Lynda were true people of faith and my heartfelt prayers to out to her, the girls and the grandkids. Godspeed, my friend.
He will be deeply missed, he was our Dick Clark of the class of 1970. My prayers to the family.
Dr. Roberts was our principal during my years at South High. He did not fit the mold of a typical principal in those days; he was young, attractive and drove a red Corvette. All of the kids liked him, because he had a good rapport with us. When I was on the journalism staff, I was assigned to photograph him. I saved those photos for decades. He was a real class act.
We that had him as our principal at East High absolutely loved him and we could all tell that he loved us. Even when we were rascals. Peace and love to you and your family. I am praying for you all. 🙏🏼
I was deeply saddened to learn of Larry’s death. His family attended the same church as my family, and I have known him since we were about 10, probably from the time he and his folks moved to Wichita. I also taught at East High School when he was principal, later at the Independent School. Larry was a good principal and a wonderful human being.
Teri, So sorry to see about the passing of your dad. Thinking of you and your family. Carol
Dr. Roberts was a true professional. He was such an inspiration to all of us at South High School. I will never forget his passion for education and his ability to care for thousands of students all at one time. To his family: thank you for sharing him with us during all the long hours he put in to support all of us. We were going through some difficult times in the 70’s and he helped us form our minds and hearts into the right direction.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.