Marion King Roberts was born in Hutchinson, KS, July 14, 1947 to Rubie King and Thomas Allen Roberts. He died July 17, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marcia, and sons Seth (Susanne) of Lawrence, and Spencer (Brittany) of Pacifica, CA., and nine grand children.
He received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education from William Jewell College, his Masters in Music from Kansas State University, and his D.M.A. from the University of Kansas. He was Chairman of the Department of Music and Director of Music Education at Baker University from 1975-1985. He was Director of Bands at Blue Valley North High School from 1986-2014. He was past president and charter member of the Kansas Bandmasters Association, KBA Outstanding Bandmaster, and twice selected as One of Fifty Directors Who make a Difference by the School Band and Orchestra magazine. He received many other teaching awards. He was inducted into the Kansas Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2017. Until recently he served as associate conductor and President of the Board of Directors of the Lawrence City Band and conductor of the De Soto Brass Band.
He loved vacations with his family from the mountains to the beach, time at the lake sailing and water skiing. He was a car enthusiast and dog lover who never met a stranger. He was a mentor and teacher to thousands.
Open memorial celebration will be at Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, July 31 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Service at 1:30 p.m. Masks required for the unvaccinated…please! Link to parking: https://ibb.co/qnQhNWM
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence City Band (reference Marion Roberts Memorial Fund), 1619 East 686th Road, Lawrence, KS 66049.
Marion was majoring in the Euphonium in 1973-1974 at KSU. He was playing a new Yamaha and told me the Conn and Besson were years behind on orders but this new Yamaha had a great sound. He suggested we purchase one. I was playing in the KSU bands from 1968-1974. My Veterinary Medicine graduation gift from my parents was a new Yamaha Euphonium acquired by KSU director of bands Phil
Hewitt with Marions advice. I am in need of another and was hoping to communicate with Marion. I also live in Lawrence but still practice in Overland Park. Marion had a distinguished career and was loved by all!
Marion was my roommate at William Jewell College 1968-69. He was then, and has always been, my hero. I will miss him until we see one another again, where we will pick up and make music together.
Marion was a talented musician, a wonderful teacher, and a kind and caring person. We taught in Baldwin for two years when he was teaching at Baker University. Our older sons are the same age. He was a great friend to my husband, Gary. Marion will be missed in this world.
Very dear Marcia- I wish you Peace and comfort at this time of your sorrow. My life is blessed to have been friends with you and Marion! The joy and memories Marion brought to our lives will not be forgotten. Marion will be missed dearly, he was a good neighbor in Hutch – a fellow Salthawk and a great human being! Please know that you and Seth/Suzanne and Spencer/ Brittany and your family are in my prayers always. My deepest sympathy- Dinah.
Dear Marcia and Family,
Our condolences to you on the loss of Marion. Our family was fortunate to know Doc while our children, Austin and Lindsay
were guided by his leadership and musical talents in band at BVN. The profound influence Doc had on them was life-changing
and fostered their development and love of music. We are forever grateful for the devotion and education Doc generously shared
with our children and thousands of others. The music plays on because of his generous spirit.
Rest in peace dear soul.
To Dr. Robert’s Family,
My brother (who played saxophone) and I both came from the Texas middle school music education program, and spent respectively 3 and 4 years with Dr. Roberts in jazz, symphonic, marching bands, then brass quintet, and solo competitions in high school at BVN. Trumpet was an integral part of my life as a middle school student in Texas, and then as a high school student in Kansas.
One of my happiest memories of my high school years is playing the trumpet in a brass quintet with Doc and a few other senior students. Being conducted by Doc was one thing—having the privilege to play with him as a high school student felt like entering a different world. I enjoyed playing the trumpet, but next to a talented brass player, it was an utterly different experience. It was simply lovely. I had a taste, during those few weeks of being in that brass quintet, what it must have been like to play professionally with other talented musicians. It was a beautiful thing.
Doc showed up to most of my solo trumpet competitions, and, like for all his students, rooted for me when I did well and encouraged me when I felt anxious. I also was lucky enough to be able to go on the trip to Normandy beach and to play in Luxembourg gardens in Doc’s band in 2004.
My brother ended up studying classical saxophone at KU, and I continued up until the end of Freshman year in college in marching band and orchestra at Drake. It’s safe to say that Doc had a considerable influence on us both as young adults. I will be forever grateful that he was in our lives.
Dear Marcia, Seth, and Spencer,
My fondest memory of Marion is our expedition to the Grand Canyon via Santa Fe and Flagstaff. Marion convinced us to use those hiking poles and I am so glad he did. It was a tough climb down for all of us, rugged and restful at the bottom, but it was the climb up that was the most challenging, especially for Marion. I will never forget his determination and patience. Of course he made it to the top to celebrate as we celebrate his life now. He made it to the top. Thinking of you all with love, Sandy
Marion was always a positive, enthusiastic, supporter of all things music. The exemplar teacher, Doc always had something to say when working with students, colleagues, and friends–and it was often so poignant, appropriate, or frankly, hilariously irreverent, that I’d still be chuckling to myself hours later. He was so supportive of my early career in the BVN-area, and he continued to cheerlead post-retirement during my tenure at BVNW. I am so sorry for your loss, Marcia and family. Marion has touched so many lives and will forever have a special place in our hearts.
Musician, Teacher, and Friend. Simply, THE BEST!
Your legacy will remain forever.
Rest in peace, my friend!
Marcia and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Like many others, I am grateful for the life of Marion. He was an early inspiration to me as he became to so many others that are musicians and/or music educators. What a wonderful, musical legacy he has left.
There are very few teachers who you remember for the rest of your life. Doc was one of them. Thanks for all the wonderful memories of BVN Band.
Marcia and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of an amazing man. A man I learned so much from when I was a student and teacher in Kansas. Dr. Roberts was one of the fine models we had as students and teachers. His legacy will carry forward not only in the state of Kansas, but all over the world to those who learned from him. I am forever blessed to have known one of the greats. Thank you for allowing us to learn from him. God allowed Dr. Roberts to bless us all.
Whenever I encountered Marion—out on a walk, in the Merc—he always stopped to talk and made my life brighter. He had the gift of sharing joy with others.
Thinking of you, Marcia.
Marcia and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of a great man, educator and friend. Marion was truly one of the most caring and special people in our music community! Take care!
A fine musician, consummate teacher, valued mentor, and a loyal friend. An example to all and a true gentleman. I will miss you, my friend. My condolences to Marcia and family and the thousands of students, colleagues and friends who’s lives Marion impacted.
My sincere condolences to your family. Marion was such a kind and caring man. I had the privilege of serving on the KBA board when he was president of our organization. He welcomed me and made an impression on my life as I’m sure he did with the many students he taught. Marion was loved and respected in his profession. Cherish all those fond memories. I send prayers for strength and comfort to the family.
Marcia and Seth and Spencer, as you grieve this loss, please know that Marion and his life and his work impacted so many of us in ways that are hard to put into words. Rest in peace, Doc. We have all benefited by knowing and working with you.
Marcia and Family,
Marion was an amazing and kind man. His impact on his students, colleagues and Kansas bands is legendary in our state. He was loved and adored by those who knew him well. He was a mentor we all aspire to be.
Count mine among the many sad hearts. We had multiple connections over time. Truly, one of the best humans to grace this earth. He will always be remembered with much fondness and gratitude. Condolences to all the family.
Doc was such an important person to me during high school. My first interaction with him during band was while we were practicing parade marching for the first time. He yelled “Hey Red, march in step” and I looked around to see if the other redhead, Mitchell, was there that day. He wasn’t. Doc was talking to me and he giggled a bit when I pointed at myself in a sort of “Wait, me? You’re talking to me?” It was a funny moment and one that showed Doc’s sense of humor. He was such a wonderful man and so thoughtful for all of his students. So many different days, he would make sure we were okay if we seemed off walking around the band room. I am truly so sorry that he has passed because he was such a wonderful man.
So sorry to hear this news. I have great memories of Marion when he was a grad student at KSU and I was a lowly flute, non-music major in the marching and symphonic bands. Can still see that smile. Happy to connect with him years later as I enjoyed listening to the Lawrence City Band.
We got to know Marion in the New Horizons band and had the greatest respect for him. We are so sorry to learn of his passing. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
To know Marion, is to know one who was a friend to all and who always had your back. Our friendship was connected to our beloved Kansas Bandmasters Association the we helped to begin. Marion always was around to offer advice to the newbies and cavorting with the gray beards. His smile was limitless and his euphonium playing marvelous. His wit and knowledge will be missed by everyone. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant!
You had such a profound impact on my growth through high school and beyond as I became a band director and as I grew as a man. You were my inspiration and driving force in my career choice, even when you joked that it “wasn’t too late to choose a more profitable career”! I always lit up seeing you at district and state band events, and was honored to be considered a colleague. No one was a stranger to you, even if it was your first time meeting them. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to learn from you, for your guidance, your mentorship, your humor, and your friendship. I will miss you dearly. Thank you for everything. Love you, Doc.
What a tremendous gentleman and mentor. When I was a “pup” band director, he treated me like I was one of the gang. As I worked with him in Kansas Bandmasters Association he took me under his wing when he was the president and I was his vice president. He was always kind, caring and helpful. He touched so many lives especially of students, but he was a mentor to so many band directors over the years as well through his actions. Marion was definitely a person who left the world a better place.
Sending condolences and love to your family. I will always remember the rare and wonderful time we had together hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Doc: the world is a little dimmer today without you, but so much brighter due to the sparks you ignited is thousands of students.
Knowing
doc was like knowing someone who would never give up on you. He constantly inspired others and was the kindest man i’d ever met. My stepdad, Seth is the reason i met this man and got to call him my grandfather. Though we were not blood, the family ran thick and he will be dearly missed by me and all my siblings. To a great man and his next adventure
We’ve lost a treasure in our midst.
My sympathy to all of your family.
You were the most important mentor In my life during the most challenging days in my youth. I will be forever grateful for you and your encouragement. I am so blessed to have had four years with you. Thank you.
It’s difficult to put into words how much of an impact you made on my life and so many others. You knew how to motivate and bring out the best in every kind of student – both as musicians and as young people undergoing the turbulence of maturity. You gave me confidence to pursue music professionally, gave me opportunities to compose and play, and the trust and responsibility to grow into a man. I think about you often and will continue to do so as long as I live, make music, and teach.
Thanks for your spirit, your service, your energy. We were all so lucky to have you in our lives! I love you!
Marcia, Seth and Spencer,
My heart is with you all. His love of music, his family, and his students was beyond measure. He lit up lives in a forever ripple effect. He was the sun in our sky for many years. I cherrish our friendship, it was so so special to me. The friendships that were created under his direction, are still a forever bond. From sharing many years with kids, parents, adults, all of us shared this beautiful common bond of love of music. If you knew Doc, you loved him, his friends, and his family. He made all of us feel so special, so seen, so cared for. To me, he was magic. May his smile always been seen, may his presence always be felt, may his love of music always be heard in our hearts and souls. He is forever in our hearts. Your family will forever be in our thoughts.
20+ years later and I can still picture you, Doc, at the podium conducting “Poeme Montagnard”. You were one of a kind and will be truly missed, but never forgotten.
Marcia, Seth and Spencer, We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Marion’s passing. We have such fond memories of being long time neighbors in the Cottages. We think of you all fondly and will be praying for you. Warren and Erin Kolz
I am one of the lucky orchestra students who had the benefit of learning from Doc when we were between orchestra conductors at BVNHS and he stepped up to teach even though he still had all the band responsibilities. He took the time to really enjoy the strings music and to get to personally know each student. He almost always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I went back to BVN years later and he was one of the few remaining teachers from my time there. He remembered me instantly, embraced me in a big hug and insisted on giving me a tour of the building, pointing out things that changed and updating me on what he knew about the teachers that had retired. Doc, I will never ever forget you, or how much your passion for music education in the state of Kansas made a difference in people’s lives. Rest in peace!
Dr. Roberts was the only high school teacher I ever cared to see after graduation. Such as solid guy. I was fortunate enough to spend a bit of time with him in recent years, despite being graduated for 30 years. I consider myself very fortunate to be in/at his KMEA HOF speech and played for him one last time in 2019. I someday wish to be the kind of person and retiree he was: happy, supportive, and encouraging. He was a role model in many ways.
I am so sorry to hear about Marion. The kids and I will always remember how kind he was to us.
Doc was a special music teacher to my boys at Blue Valley North. Brian Cain, 2008 and Jeffrey Cain 2015. As a band parent on many band events, he was a great leader as well as musician. I will have you all in my prayers and thoughts.
We are so sorry for your loss Marcia and family. May you be comforted by friends and family during this very sensitive time.
I can’t believe I was just thinking of Marion during the last city band concert, and now I mourn the loss of his wonderful friendship and mentorship in our New Horizons Band. Marion and I have known each other since our K-State days in the Pride of Wildcat Band, then we renewed our musical friendship when Alan was one of Marion’s doctoral committee members at KU. I am so sorry for your loss, Marcia. Please take heart that you both fought the good fight and now Marion is at peace. Many, many lives will not be the same now that his light is gone. Love and hugs to you and all of your family.
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of a special man who touched the lives of so many and was much appreciated by all. May the wonderful memories of Doc provide your family with comfort. I God’s care, he rests. Isaiah 26:19; Psalm 37: 29
Your light shined bright in this world, encouraging all. Marcia, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Marcia and family,
Doc was a wonderful man touching and influencing the lives of countless students and friends. He was one of my biggest encouragers and his smile will remain forever in my heart!
Doc, your contagious positive attitude and many inspirational contributions to BVN students & staff will remain a lasting legacy. We are all better because we knew you.