He settled in Clovis, New Mexico, where he practiced law and published the local newspaper.

Mabry's governorship was notable for his involvement in the "Brushy" Bill Roberts hearing.

Billy the Kid, and applied for a pardon from crimes Bonney had committed in New Mexico.

The press attention and the trip from his home in Hico, Texas to Santa Fe had a negative effect on the elderly Roberts' health, and he died soon afterwards.

He died in San Francisco on December 23, 1962, and was buried at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque.