WHITE RIVER JCT., VT — Jeffery D. “Tex” Bartlett , 61, died Saturday December 1, 2018 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon , NH .
He was born July 27, 1957 in Port Lavaca, TX a son of Elmer Joe and Dixie West Bartlett. Jeff grew up in Levelland , TX where he graduated from high school in 1975. He attended South Plains College for a time before starting his 40 year career with Automatic Electric which later became Altura Communications Solutions. Jeff traveled around the United States installing telephone systems for the company for several years. While working in the Pittsburgh area he met and fell in love with Lori Grzybek; they were married November 16, 1991. Jeff’s work brought him to the Upper Valley when the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center moved from Hanover to Lebanon. He has continued to maintain the phone system at DHMC ever since. The couple settled in White River Jct. where they have lived for the past three decades and raised their 18 year old twins.
Jeff had a sly personality with a grin and a twinkle in his eye. Jeff made many friends and a few foes along the way. He was a memorable character with his southern drawl, big bearded grin and Texas Hat. In the early years he was know as the Candy Man handing out a Peppermint Patty Candy to all who crossed his path, and 2 to those who were his favorites (you all know who you are)! Jeff loved spending time doing whatever activity/sport his kids were involved in. He even became a Boy Scout Leader to spend more time with his family. Jeff was very spiritual reading his bible everyday. God gave him the strength and direction to live his life in the manner in which he did.
In August, 2017 Jeff opened his company, Tex’s Best Salsa LLC, which was a dream come true. He was poised to retire in May, 2018 and become the Salsa King full time, but God had other plans for our big teddy bear of a guy. His family will continue to run the business.
Jeff’s true love was his wife and children. He was happy as long as they were together, whether it be vacationing in Maine, visiting family in PA, OH or TX or simply having some friends over to enjoy a good ole backyard fire. True story! His children were his life. Never a day went by when you didn’t hear Jeff say something about his “babies.” He was so proud of these two and his only wish was that that be happy and healthy.
Jeff was predeceased by his mother this past August and his father in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Lori, and twins Jeffery Dalton Bartlett and Alexandria L. Bartlett all from White River Jct.; brothers Jerry and Joe Bartlett and wife Paula; and sister Judy McDowell all of Lubbock , TX, mother and father in law Thomas & Darlene Grzybek; brother in law Thomas Grzybek; sister in law Lisa Yangula and her husband Ken, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct. Thursday December 6th from 6-8PM. A funeral service will be held at the Olivet Baptist Church in West Lebanon, NH officiated by Pastor Joe Scearbo on Friday December 7th at 11AM with burial to follow at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in White River Jct. Please wear your favorite hat as a way to celebrate Jeff’s life.
Condolences to Jeff’s family may be made in an online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution in Jeff’s memory to Boy Scout Troop 235, Hartland, VT C/O Jean Strawbridge, 73 Barron Hill Rd. Hartland. VT 05048.