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.
