© Elizabeth

Obit for Gene posted by Martha Reddout

© Marietta Monitor
19 Jan 2018,  Page 4
Source: © Watts Funeral Home

Services were conducted in the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home Chapel, Marietta, at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 13 with Reverend John Sconce officiating.

Interment followed in Lakeview Cemetery, Marietta.

Gene was a resident of Love County for most of his life. Born into a large ranching family, the youngest of 10 children, he attended school in Marietta. On June 22, 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in World War II, and was honorably discharged on July 22, 1946. On March 5, 1949, he picked up Vida Allen from her parents’ home in Shady Dale and together they drove to Gainesville, Texas, to be married. Both Gene and Vida agreed to start their marriage with each contributing $100. Vida was prepared and saved up for her portion of the funds, while Gene borrowed his portion – a fact that Vida did not learn until they had been married for some time. Through the course of his marriage to Vida, which would last over 68 years, Gene had many adventures in his life and career. He announced rodeos in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas for many years, working alongside Adrian and Rex Parker. Gene served his community in the 1960’s as Justice of the Peace for Love County. In 1969, he drove west from Fort Worth on what is now Interstate 20, until he reached a plot of land that he thought appropriate for opening the third location of Robertson’s Hams, a must-stop for travelers in Oklahoma and Texas that was started by Gene’s older brother, “Tup.” In 1977, Gene and Vida decided it was time to return home to Marietta, where Gene was appointed and then successfully elected Love County Assessor, a position that he held until his retirement in 1989. Gene helped found Frontier Days – where he and Vida were “Pioneer King and Queen” in 2009 – and enjoyed riding in the parade alongside friends and family, but was proudest when accompanied by one of his grandchildren. His favorite pastimes were “coon hunting” and riding horses, and he continued to ride throughout his life, until losing his closest riding partners, his brothers Fred and “Tup.” As a young boy, Gene accepted Christ and continued to follow Him throughout his life.

During his time in Oklahoma, Gene was a member of Eastside and then later Shady Dale Baptist Church, and faithfully served in many capacities. Gene was blessed with five grandchildren – Sheryl Robertson Robinson (married to James) and Amy Robertson; and Samuel, Sage (married to Talita), and Spencer (married to Meredith) Goldsmith. He enjoyed his grandchildren’s summer visits at his home outside of Marietta, where they would fish, horseback ride, run through the lawn sprinkler, bicycle, camp, watch Gunsmoke and Hawaii Five-O, and listen to the Texas Rangers on the radio because it was more interesting than television.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Arch and Mamie King Robertson; seven brothers, William, John, Archie, Pope, Fred, Alvin, and Victor Bryce “Tup”; and two sisters, Dorothy London and Mary Beeler.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Vida Allen Robertson; son and daughter-in-law, Gene Allen and Kathleen Robertson of San Angelo, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Scotty Goldsmith of Baird, Texas; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, Sterling and Ireland Robinson, and Avery, Elliott, Reese, Clara, and Brazos Goldsmith; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as bearers were Rex Parker, Jerry McGill, Richard Cain, Harvey Stewart, Preston McGehee, and Roy Henderson. Honorary bearers were Cathy Carlile, Robert Flietman, Stewart Massengale, and Nelson “Dude” Powell.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Love County Historical Society Pioneer Museum, P.O. Box 134, Marietta, OK 73448.

Online guest book: wattsfuneralhome.com

A keepsake video is available through the funeral home.  

Thank You For Your Service!