Thomas A. Robberson
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Graveside services for Thomas Allen Robberson, 58, Lawrence will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Clinton Cemetery. He passed away Monday, February 9, 2015 at his home.
Thomas was born April 23, 1956 in Amarillo, TX the son of Dr. Joe Frank and Carolyn (Kraak) Robberson.
He received his Masters in Geology from Oklahoma State University in 1980.
He was a geologist for Exxon Mobil.
He married Penny Shelton September 6, 1980 in Ponca City, OK. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include one son, Jason Robberson and wife, Susan, Lawrence, KS; one daughter, Katie Robberson, Madison, WI; two sisters, Molly Long, Cody, WY, Sally Tidball, Abilene, TX; and one brother, Joe Robberson II, Tulsa, OK. Tom was expecting his first grandchild in August, 2015.
Tom was an ornery and loving husband, a proud and caring father. He worked tirelessly his whole life, because he loved his family and because, he would assuredly tell you, hard work was its own reward. A warm and inveterate conversationalist, he made friends everywhere he went. And he went everywhere. He had an irrepressible adventurous streak; his wanderlust brought him across six continents, twice to residence in Europe. He loved and lived large and was just generally the life of the party. He will be missed dearly.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the “Just Food” Douglas County Food Bank and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Jason and family – So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers.
Tom – you will really be missed. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I got to know Tom a bit as we shared several tasty beers and good laughs while we overlapped on work assignments in Hannover, Germany. The description of Tom is wonderful – he was certainly ornery and we loved him for that! I will miss his smile and enthusiasm at work.
Penny and Family: I will miss seeing Tom at the early hours as I came into work around 5:40 a.m. He stood up for his employees and was a fair man. He loved to argue and laugh…he laughed a lot. I learned a lot from him as his Admin. Asst. and he is sorely missed by his ExxonMobil (Data Services/Global Data Support) family! Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. God Bless and Keep you Always.
Tom was a larger than life character who was well known and liked among his colleagues here at ExxonMobil. We’ll miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and his family.
Tom was such a wonderful guy. He treated my wife and I like family when we visited Hannover, and did everything he could to make us feel welcome. I distinctly remember him taking several of us out to dinner and drinks and having a blast doing it. He was always full of stories and laughter. He will be missed.
I will always remember Tom for the welcome and greetings we exchanged daily and the great conversations while getting that morning cup of coffee to start the day. He left a valuable lasting impression on me in my first years in the company. What a great guy. Best wishes and prayers to Tom and his family.
It was a pleasure to meet you and we really enjoyed sharing drinks and snacks between jokes and tales during after offices. We’ll save you a spot at the german bar! Cheers!
If there ever was a straight shooter, it was Tom. There was no beating around the bush with him yet every conversation I had always had time for some jokes, and football. He just had that knack. I really enjoyed working with him for the past 20 yrs. I will miss running into him in the hallway and seeing that ever present smile.
So sorry to get this news, and so sorry to see you go Tom – that’s too young. You were a larger than life character, who enjoyed life, and told it as you saw it. I always looked forward to meeting up with you in Houston, and who could forget the that wonderful week you hosted for us all in Hannover…. Cheers, and here’s to you, – you will be missed.
Katherine and Family, we’re so sorry for your loss. Your American Data co-workers and friends are thinking of you.
Tom was a good friend of mine in high school, and I only have wonderful memories of him. So fun, funny, smart, friendly to everyone, and always looking for excitement. He often brought things from biology lab to throw at me in world history just to make me scream. He was a blast and a sweet heart. I know he will be dearly missed by his family. Several of us from his high school days are in prayer for all of you.
Blessings on all of you,
Vonnie (Traves) White
I’m am so very, very sorry to hear about Tom. Even though we didn’t keep in touch, I often thought about him, his family, and their adventures. Sally would keep me posted on the family. God bless you all, and may Tom rest in peace. Love, Hope Phillips, cousin
Tom never hid his thoughts or feelings about anything. Following his lead: Tom, you were well respected and will certainly be missed.
I worked with Tom at the merger between Exxon and Mobil working in the Development Co for nearly 5 years. Not sure many people outside his family know this, but Tom was a collegiate wrestler (NOT professional wrastling) at OSU. Maybe, that is where his ornery side of him developed. We shared many stories regarding the sport – especially with the weight losing rituals. He fit the wrestling personality – tough (and stubborn) minded! Our conversations always came back to his family – Jason following in his footsteps – but he was more of the modern day wrestler – athlete. Unfortunately, I was never able to see Jason wrestle at Klein HS but he did very well – Dad was so proud of his family.
Tom, we miss you – remembering the great time you spent in Hannover. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom was a great guy to work with and for. I recall many staff meetings with him at 4:00 in the morning standing at the pot of extra strong coffee while we worked at the Development Co. He was one of the best guys you could ever have on your side. Larger than life describes him so well and that’s the size hole he has left behind that won’t be filled. We will truly miss Tom.
Once in Hannover I was going in Tom’s office and we started an argument about something.
I got really angry about the fact I could not convince him about my point and then he said seriously and very friendly: “ Stop fighting! This is a “Silverback”- decision!”
The way he said it was with a lot of respect for his opponent. At that point I learned that losing a fight is not always a bad thing. Thanks Toms, for this lesson learned.
In Tom I’ve found a great teacher, mentor and a fantastic friend.
I am going to miss this “Silverback”.
It wasn’t always peaceful, but it was always with strong convictions and force of personality working with Tom. The assignment in Germany, the FAST group, those brought a smile to his face. He will be missed.
I am so sad to hear this news. Tom was so young and full of energy and spunk. I truly enjoyed working with him and I know he will be missed by everyone. Tom always brought such energy into the room. My prayers are with your family.
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I really enjoyed my time working with Tom at Exxon Mobil. His energy and drive to get things done will be missed. My thoughts and prayers will include Penny and his family.
I had the honor and privilege to work for Tom after he came back from his overseas assignment to Germany (which he thourghly enjoyed and certainly wanted to stay longer there). Before I worked directly for Tom our paths had crossed a few times but I did not really get to know him well until I worked directly for him. Tom, was truly one of the best Managers that I have worked for during my 35 year career, and while there were certainly times that Tom frustrated me I came to learn that if you took the time to talk through things with Tom he would listen and give you his honest opinion. I agree with the information that indicates he was ornery but he was always fair and loved to talk about work related items or anything else that you might have on your mind. In fact I have already been missing those talks since Tom left the office late last year.
Tom, you will be missed and my prayers will be for your family of peace during this time.
Penny, so sorry for your loss. I remember your wedding and the good times being in your home and going out to dinner with you and Tom. My thoughts are with you.
Jason and family,
I am so incredibly sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was friendly, funny, and an overall great guy. I remember how proud he was at your wedding. He had a smile on his face the entire time I was up there. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
I loved Tom so much, he was an inspiration to me whether he believed it or not. He was like a dad to me. He worked so hard, I remember nights when Jason and I would stay up too late during a sleepover, and Tom would be up at 3 AM ready to work. He took me fishing for the first time, and I caught my first fish with Tom. When we used to go out, he’d always make me smile by asking, “Is your radar on, Nick?” (Inside joke for the family). The world is a better place with Tom Robberson. He will be missed.
Tom was such a great guy. You couldn’t help but like him, he was just that way. The lifelong love he and Penny shared is rare. My heart goes out to you Penny.. We will always be ‘twin’ cousins born 6 days apart!
To the Robberson family,
While I only had one opportunity to meet Tom, that one night was certainly memorable. My husband has nothing but good memories to share & I must recognize that Toms influence on his life as a father helped him become the man he is for me. I grateful for the dance we shared at my wedding, the smile on his face & the warm hug were caught on camera & I’m so happy to have that memory captured. My deepest condolences to the family as you go through this difficult time. I know he will be missed.
Tom will be greatly missed and he left us too soon. I had a great time working with and for Tom at Mobil in Midland. He always went full speed ahead and was ready to give his opinion at any time with plenty of volume. He made great conversation and funny jokes. Tom was the live wire at parties who enjoyed every minute. So many stories, so little time. We love and remember his infectious smile and frequent laughter. Tom, you are one of a kind. Susan and I are praying for you and Penny and your family.
Jason and family,
No matter the time that took place in between my meetings with Tom, he always greeted me like we had just talked the other day, and always with a smile. He was a great man and will truly be missed. Tom, Jason and his family will be in our prayers.
Tom was such a fun, outgoing and, yes, sometimes ornery guy but you couldn’t help but love him! He was a pleasure to work with and will be missed. Condolences and prayers for your family.
Penny, Jason, Susan, and Katie- What a wonderful man, I am so sad. He was a fun, caring, and loving person who was so welcoming. He was a great canasta player and a gracious host. People live on in our memories and I have great ones of him. All my love to you guys.
Tom’s way of living is a model we can only aspire too. I feel very fortunate to have known him and have his influence on my life. I count him as a genuine friend, and will always remember our times together.
Dear Molly, Sally, and Jody –
I am so sorry for the loss of dear Tom. I have such vivid memories of our childhood, 4th of July at the PD Club cabin, birthdays and Christmas and Thanksgiving. It’s too bad that geography and busy lives have kept us apart.
Love to you all.
Cousin Kim
Penny and family – We are so sorry for the loss of Tom.
He was an outstanding person. Remembering the great time we spent together in Germany and in the USA. A wonderful man, one of a German “Musketier”, a fan of the German soccer – especially Arminia Bielefeld and the national team during the soccer world championship 2006 in Germany.
We will miss him a lot.
Our thoughts are with the family in these difficult times.
In loving memory.
The several times I visited Hannover, Tom was always a kind and generous host. His exuberance will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.
Tom was larger than life – loved work, loved making a difference, and loved his family very much – and we loved him for who he was and the smiles he would generate wherever he went. Everyone at ExxonMobil who spent time with Tom over the last 3 decades will sorely miss him. My deepest sympathy to Penny and family on the loss…way to early….of this wonderful man who we called our friend.
Dear Penny,
I must write in german, because I cannot explain in English what I felt when I read yor mail.
Ich war gerade in Köln zum Karneval und habe am Abend des 15. Febuar, kurz vor Mitternacht, meine Mail gelesen, weil ich neugierig war, ob schon jemand zu meinem Geburtstag am 16. geschrieben hatte.
Es war noch keine Mail da, nur diene Nachricht, die mich und meine Familie in Köln mitten ins Herz traf.
Meine Freundin Dani, meine Schwester Insa, mein Schwager Peter und ich drücken euch allen unsere tiefste Anteilnahme aus .
Stille Grüße aus Leipzig!
Ossi
R.I.P. Tom !
I grew up and went to school with Tom in Amarillo. Condolences to the family.
Armand Smith
Dear Penny, Jason, and Katie, may your many happy memories of Tom bring you comfort during this most difficult time in your life. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all.
Hallo Penny,
ich habe von Anne vor einiger Zeit von Toms Krankheit erfahren.
Ich war schockiert und sprachlos….
Ich erinnere mich noch an seine Worte als er über die Zukunft sprach, die Zeit nach seiner Pensionierung, ws ihr noch alles unternehmen wolltet.
Ich wünsche dir und deiner Familie in der nächsten Zeit viel Kraft.
Ich bin so unendlich traurig…..
Lothar