Roy Lee Petrich

Roy Lee Petrich passed away at his home on June 28, 2024 in Bonham, TX. Roy was born to W.A. Bill and Lena (Hendrix) Petrich on January 2, 1941. Roy came from very humble beginnings. He was born in a one-bedroom farmhouse in Haskell, Texas. His parents had 3 biological children and one child they raised as their own. As Roy would often say he was "born before electricity was a common household item." His family may not have had much, but one thing they had in abundance was love.

Roy's father was a farmer, and while the children were young, his mother was a housewife. After her children were raised, Lena would go on to become a licensed vocational nurse. Growing up on the farm, Roy said, they were poor, but they didn't know any better. After being raised on the farm, Roy joined the United States Air Force at the young age of 18. In 1959, knowing he would soon be drafted, Roy decided to enlist voluntarily before going on to proudly serve our country for 23 years. The Air Force took him around the world, serving in Vietnam, Bermuda, Germany, and many other places. He retired in 1982 as a Captain, receiving a Bronze Star for his service. While on active duty, Roy also managed to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Upon completion of his military services, Roy went on to dedicate fourteen years of employment with the Texas Workforce Commission where he retired in 1999.

Roy married his first wife, Wanda Donaldson, while she was still a senior in high school. They had 3 wonderful children together – Tammy, Boyd, and Susan. Roy and Wanda were married for 15 years before they departed amicably. Roy later married the love of his life, Connie Chalstrom, on December 21, 1979. They were together for 43 years before Connie went to be with the Lord last year. They loved travelling all over the world during their retirement, enjoying the view from their gorgeous lakefront home, and spending time with their family and friends. Roy would also play Santa every year for the children in the community. Roy's daughter, Tammy, was married to Lester Kasparek for 20 years before she went to be with the Lord in 2009. Together, they had a daughter, Leslie, who married Nathan Markiewicz. Today, Nathan and Leslie have 2 boys, Braxton Beau and Rylan Rebel Markiewicz. Even though Rylan's middle name is Rebel, Roy only referred to him as "Rebel."

Roy is survived by his son, Boyd Petrich and wife Pam of Cypress, Texas, their sons Chase Petrich of Houston, Texas, and Will Petrich and partner Gizel Arreola of Fort Worth, Texas. He is also survived by his daughter, Susan Warnick, and her husband Scott, of Dallas, Texas. Other survivors include sisters Gereldine and husband Bill Baker of Haskell, Texas, Willie Faye "Sis" Tidrow, also of Haskell, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Lena Petrich, wife Connie Petrich, daughter Tammy Kasparek, a son who passed at birth, Jason Carl Petrich, brother-in-law Lonnie Hise, brother- in-law Gaston Tidrow, and cousin/brother Delbert Howell. Honorary mention should be given to five women who were considered like family and took care of both Connie and Roy until the very end: Jacquelyn Davis, Katie Minyard, Crystal Linarez, Tanya Christman, and Tammie Hall.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm at Wise Valley Chapel. The funeral service will be at First United Methodist Church in Bonham starting at 12pm with burial to follow at Arledge Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Roy to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Pallbearers will be Boyd Petrich, Scott Warnick, Chase Petrich, Will Petrich and Nathan Markiewicz.