William Daniel Roberts

William Daniel “Bill” Roberts, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, January 14, 2023 in Stillwater surrounded by his loving family. He was 66. Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater.

Bill was born October 8, 1956 in Perry, Oklahoma to William “Rocky” Roberts, Sr. and Vera (Grim) Roberts while the family lived in the Red Rock area. He attended and graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 1974 and immediately joined the United States Navy where he served his country for the next three years.

After discharge from the service, Bill met and married the love of his life, Gail Baxter on March 18, 1978 in Morrison, Oklahoma. They made their home in Stillwater where they raised two wonderful children, Angel and Will.

After serving on the USS Coral Sea in the Navy, Bill worked for the Sante Fe Railroad as a trackman for over 10 years. He then drove a truck for Schneider National for 20 years and 2 million miles. After those 20 years, he spent 10 years as the traveling & in-house OSR for the Dallas OC. He had just recently retired after 30 years with the company. During his retirement, he helped Angel & Matt with tire runs and traffic control at Oakes Tire, as well as mowing lawns with Will and his Stilly Roots Lawncare business.

Bill loved to travel. As soon as one trip was finished, he started making plans for the next. Los Angeles was his favorite place to go! If he wasn’t traveling, you would find him in his recliner, navigating the earth via live web cams. He was the most knowledgeable when it came to directions. Give him any mile marker in any state and he’ll tell you exactly where you are.

Bill loved good music. He loved Red Dirt music and concerts. John Prine and The Band were always at the top of his playlists. A true music connoisseur that knew every lyric to every song.

Bill had a great sense of humor. Always a perfectly timed joke. He had the most genuine smile and a contagious laugh. So many considered him a best friend and a great mentor.

He was the best papa in the world! He was an ornery one but they wouldn’t have it any other way. He will be greatly missed.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 44 years, Gail; children, Angel Oakes and husband Matt, and Will Roberts and wife Hannah all of Stillwater, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Lydia, Ayla, & Macy Oakes, and London & Liam Roberts all of Stillwater; other extended family and friends. He was preceded by his parents; and one brother, Bruce Roberts.

Visitation will be 9AM to 8PM Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home. Family will greet guests from 6-8PM. A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, Stillwater with Randy Barnett officiating. Pallbearers will be Andrew Blaney, Colton Conrad, Nate Walker, Billie Hall, Kelly Warden, Mike Oakes, and Jason Ley, additional pall bearers will be his Schenider brothers. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater.