By Jill Stephenson
Tech SGT Marshal D. Roberts, 28 of Owasso, was serving with the Oklahoma Air National Guard when he was killed on March 11, 2020. At the time, he was the first Oklahoma Air Guardsman KIA since September 11, 2001. Roberts was a member of the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing, headquartered in Tulsa.
Roberts met his wife Kristie while they were serving together. They married after four years and sadly he was killed less than two years later. Roberts had a daughter from a previous relationship. He is remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and a brother in arms that many still salute with pride and admiration.
From his obituary: The United States Air Force has set out definitions of courage and spirit that all Airmen should aspire to achieve. Courage is defined as the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Spirit is defined as an intense energy that empowers one to act when called to action. Marshal embodied these definitions – he placed God and others before himself always, even up until his last breath. Marshal will always be remembered for the love and sacrifice he made on behalf of his country and fellow wingmen.
A portion of Highway 20 between Claremore and Owasso is dedicated in his name. The post office in Owasso was named in his honor in 2023. Because Roberts was killed at the beginning of COVID, his funeral and any public ceremonies were limited. Kristie and Robert’s mother spoke at the dedication and said it was the first time they spoke about him publicly since his funeral. Kristie described Marshal as a humble man who would blush at the thought of a building or highway being named after him. However, there is no question about the importance of having permanent structures like this for the public to honor his service and sacrifice.
Because of COVID, Robert’s funeral was delayed two months, causing additional emotional strain on the family. Kristie stated they never spoke about him being killed in action, but did speak about military honors and wanting them when the day came that they were called home to be with the Lord. She said it was difficult to put off honoring him. COL Mason, Commander of the base at the time, made sure that he was appropriately honored. His funeral was held at the Claremore Expo center where he received full honors with the missing man formation flown by 138th FW F-16s and a nine-round volley salute performed by the 138th FW Honor Guard.
Roberts loved watching movies. He had funny sayings and would randomly break out in Disney movie songs and make people laugh. They would play the animal game during long car rides when his daughter was with them. They would describe the animal without saying its name and they had to guess what it was. He loved going to the zoo or the aquarium to learn about new animals. These activities were engaging and educational and kept them off their phones while driving. Attending church as a family was very important to him. Christmas was his favorite holiday.
Roberts is laid to rest at Floral Haven cemetery in Broken Arrow. His grave marker is a bronze soldier’s cross and includes a bench for people to sit, pray and reflect. It sits next to a water feature where geese are frequent visitors. Kristie shared that when she and Marshal would see geese they would always count them together because they mate for life.
I asked Kristie what she wanted people to remember most about Marshal. She said,
“That he wore his nation’s cloth and served in the U.S. Armed Forces. He didn’t feel worthy of people thanking him for his service and didn’t feel as though he’d done anything worthy of being thanked. Deploying was his way of doing what he felt was worthy of this.
His love for his daughter was also incredibly important. He gave his all to be the most amazing dad he could be. Kristie still prays for God to watch over her. She is now in her 20th year of service and currently in residency training at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. They were required to fill out a goal sheet in the Air Force. Medical school was one of hers. Marshal wanted to support her to get through her schooling. He was with her when she got in. Accomplishing this has helped her through her grief journey. •
