Thomas Joseph Roberts

March 11, 1947 - May 1, 2026

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Roberts, age 79, passed away on May 1, 2026. He was born on March 11, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Harold and Martha Roberts (née Holmes). He was the third of five children born during the height of the post-World War II baby boom.

During his childhood, Tom's family relocated frequently due to his father's work as a project manager in the construction industry. The family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Overland Park, Kansas; Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Hartford, Connecticut.

Tom attended the University of Tulsa, where he studied Communications. While in college, he began his broadcasting career as a radio announcer for KWGS under the name "Tom Sheridan." He later worked as a DJ and announcer at KMOD under the same name. He went on to serve as a cameraman for KTUL, where his eagerness to learn earned the respect of engineers who taught him how to cut and edit film. Tom demonstrated exceptional determination during this time, working three jobs while balancing school and his early career.

Tom's professional career took shape when he joined Delcom as a salesman, where he met Chris Miller, his business partner of more than 40 years. Together, they acquired Fairview AFX from its previous owner, Louis Traeger. They completed the buyout in just three years, far ahead of the original timeline. Under their leadership, the company grew into a nationally recognized systems integration firm with offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK; Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, TX; and Little Rock, AR. Tom and his team were even featured on the business front page of USA Today.

Following a brief retirement, Tom served as Director of Vendor Programs for PSNI Global Alliance, where he led the execution and management of the PSNI Preferred Vendor Program. Under his guidance, the program became a key contributor to the organization's value for both affiliates and vendor partners. Prior to this role, he served as President of the South-Central Region for MSCI.

Over his 40-plus years in the industry, Tom was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication to mentoring and developing others. He served in an advisory capacity to numerous associations and manufacturers and was actively involved in several professional organizations, including AIA, IEEE, InfoComm, ITVA, NAB, PBS, SBE, and SMPTE.

Throughout a distinguished career, Tom traveled extensively, visiting Japan, Portugal, Spain, England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, and many states across the United States.

Above all, Tom was a devoted family man. He cared deeply for his parents, siblings, and extended family, always offering his time, support, and generosity. He used his skills in filming and editing to record numerous theater productions for the American Theatre Company, of which his sister Kitty was a founding member, as well as capturing countless family moments. He took great pride in providing for his family and enriching their lives with thoughtfulness and care.

Tom had a lifelong passion for technology and a deep curiosity about how things worked, an interest that naturally aligned with his career in the audio-visual industry. To the end of his life, he was always excited about the latest gadgets and gizmos that enhance our lives.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Martha Roberts; his brothers, Daniel and James Roberts; and his sister, Katherine Roberts.

He is survived by his wife, Yuki; his son, Christopher; his daughter, Morgan (Kyle) Krueger, and their children, Marley and Graham. He is also survived by his brother, John (Debbie) Roberts; nephews Sean (Erin) Roberts and their son, Jackson, and Ryan (Chelcy) Roberts and their children, Eleanor and Rowan; as well as his sister-in-law, Linda Roberts, and her children, Jessica Spence and Stephen Spence.

Tom will be remembered for his determination, generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to both his family and his work.