Tommy Roberts

Tommy James Roberts (Hightower-Hamilton) was born March 12, 1945 in Houlka, Mississippi to Artis Hightower and Katherine Hamilton. He was the eldest child of Katherine; and the second born, eldest son of Artis. Tommy remained in Houlka, MS with his grandparents, Lula Bell and Harvey Lee Hamilton while growing up with 3 special cousins, Johnny Wayne, Magdeline “Puddin” and Jonnie Mack who were more like siblings until he was about the age of 9. Johnny Wayne and Jonnie Mack preceded him in death. He was later moved and raised in St. Louis, Missouri with his mother Katherine (Hamilton) and her husband Climmie Roberts where he completed his education in the St. Louis School System. After high school he joined the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1970; but he continued his service in the U.S. Army National Guards in the Artillery Division, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Tommy was employed as a welder at Chrysler, Central Mine Equipment Company, Hussman Refrigeration and Railroad Company. Tommy united in holy matrimony with Claudine (Hardin); and six children, Kimberly, Bryant, Tiffany, Tanya, Antonio, and Tracy were born to this union. Claudine preceded him in death. He later married Renata (Reed) where he gained another daughter, Jeneen Reed. Tommy loved spending time with his family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren; fishing; chess; watching westerns, all sports, nature and history shows; teaching/drilling the “rights vs. wrongs” into the young folks which made him a father figure to many and known as an O.G.; and he has been known to be the life of a party. But, most importantly, he rededicated his life unto the Lord in February 2017. Tommy was preceded in death by his mother Katherine; both fathers, Artis and Climmie; grandparents; eldest granddaughter, Precious; two great grandsons, Landon and Calvin Jr (CJ); four paternal sisters; and one paternal brother. Surrounded by his family the early morning of Monday, March 13, 2017, Tommy James Roberts, 72 yrs. old made his transition from labor to rest at Jefferson Barracks Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Tommy is survived by Renata, his devoted wife of St. Louis, Missouri; his children, Kimberly, Bryant (Crystal), Tiffany, Tanya, Antonio, Tracy Edwards and Jeneen Reed, all from St. Louis, Missouri; 24 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 8 sisters, Climmie (Johnny) Payne of DelRay Beach, Florida; Gail Roberts of St. Louis, Missouri; Christella Hightower of Racine, Wisconsin, Shirley Jean Hightower of Racine, Wisconsin, Emma Lou Hightower of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Wurline (Joe) Dillard of Kansas City, Missouri, Duelian (Charles) Taylor of Alton, Illinois, and Tamara Grant of Alton, Illinois; 2 brothers, Charles Roberts of St. Louis, Missouri and Artis (Princess) Taylor of Caruthersville, Missouri; 4 other brother-in-laws and 4 other sister-in-laws; a special cousin-sister, Magdeline “Puddin” Gates, a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.