Earl Bruce "Bruce" Roberson

Earl Roberson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Claire Brothers Funeral Home - Houston on Mar. 13, 2026.Bruce Roberson, a beloved Houston designer, restaurateur, and philanthropist; passed away March 9th, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, hospitality, and service. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on May 14, 1947, Bruce was raised in Oklahoma by his parents, Emma and Earl. The family was complete when his sister Susan was born. Bruce attended Tulsa University where he was class president his senior year and an active member of Sigma Nu fraternity.After a stint in the army and early work in Dallas politics, Bruce moved to Houston as a writer for Southern Living magazine, a role that helped spark his lifelong passion for interior design. He went on to co-own the popular restaurant Feagan's, restore historic homes in the Heights, and ultimately become known for his visionary transformation of a former Prince Hamburgers commissary into a striking downtown loft that served as both his home and design studio, showcasing his eclectic style and love of vintage automobiles.An avid cook who learned from his father, a United States Air Force chef, and from his own Army service, Bruce was happiest entertaining friends with buffets, barbecues, and comforting, experimental recipes drawn from a cherished box of decades-old handwritten cards. When not hosting at home, Bruce was a staunch supporter of Houston restaurants, always accompanied by friends.His greatest public legacy, however, is the Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally, known as Susan's Rally, which he dedicated to his sister Susan after her death from breast cancer in 1993.Since 1995, the non-competitive rally has raised funds for organizations supporting cancer patientsand their families; most recently for local clinics for uninsured women and apartments for patientsundergoing treatment in Houston.Bruce is survived by his nephew, Eliott Wade of Tulsa, OK, and countless family, friends, clients, and the many participants and volunteers of Susan's Rally whose lives were touched by his vision. Bruce's vast network of friends crossed all social, economic and lifestyle strata.He will be remembered for his wit, warmth, fearless creativity, and his deep belief that ordinary people can have an extraordinary effect on the lives of others.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.