Barbara Lex Petty

Barbara Lex Petty, 89, died Sunday May 9, 2021 in Bryan, TX.  She was born January 30, 1932 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Charles and Marie Lex and was married to Colonel Robert “Bob” E. Petty IV for 35 years.  Bob preceded her to heaven on January 1, 1994. 

Barbara is survived by her brother and sister, Dick and Linda; her sons, Robert and Charles, and their wives Jenny and Julia, her five grandchildren; Red, Alicia, Schuyler, Alec and Eric, her two granddaughters-in-law; Mary-Fran and Caitlin and finally one great grandchild to be, who will join us any day now.

Barbara was a fearless pioneer, who once drove coast to coast by herself in the 40’s to help her uncle, and who later became one of the first female Defense Department teachers, and then principals, overseas while at a US military base in France following the Korean War.  While in France she met Bob and they traveled the world, living in Turkey, Panama and throughout the United States during their years in the military.

Although she started in Pennsylvania, Barbara fell in love with Texas when she moved to Fort Hood in 1978 and has been a proud Texan ever since.  A devoted and cherished wife, mother and grandmother, she loved to cook, golf, play bridge, read, teach, and cheer for the Aggies, but her favorite pastime was walking up to new people and just talking to them and learning their stories.  She will be greatly missed, but she has left a legacy in her family and friends that will continue.

Barbara will be buried with Bob at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Society.

Please view and sign the guest book at: TrevinoSmithfh.com

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