Roy Albert LeHew, 80, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Wilbarger General Hospital in Vernon, Texas.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Born February 6, 1943 in York, Pennsylvania to Roy Lee LeHew and Genevieve (Light) LeHew Serio, Roy proudly served in the United States Army. He lived in the Baltimore and Dallas areas for many years, but preferred small town life and called rural west and north Texas home.

While Roy spent the majority of his career in law enforcement, serving the Paducah, Texas Police Department as Chief, Cottle County as Sheriff, and Vernon Police Department in a variety of roles, one of his biggest professional accomplishments was the years he spent in Kosovo working with the United Nations training police officers. Roy also drove trucks, worked in gasoline and propane delivery, held a position with Stewart Office Supply in Dallas repairing copy machines, helped manage a motel, and even worked for a time for Mrs. Baird's Bakery.

Roy held a Masters level TCOLE peace officer license until his retirement, where he pursued another career working for the State of Texas as a security officer at the state hospital. He retired from that role at 79 years young.

Known as Papa to his family and close friends, Roy will be remembered for his quick wit, remarkable work ethic, and generous heart. He spent years enjoying the outdoors on a Harley Davidson, fishing, hunting, and restoring cars.

He is survived by Renea Branin of Vernon, Texas, Rob (Jane) LeHew of Augusta, WV, Michele (James) Whitehead of Benbrook, Texas, Candice (James) Freeman, and Collin King of Vernon, Texas, grandchildren Amber (Erick) Busch, Deirdre LeHew, Benjamin Whitehead, JC, Jaylie, and King Freeman, and many more family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Wichita Falls or one of Roy's favorite organizations including St. Jude and Salvation Army.