Donald Travis Bybee

Born on May 1, 1942, in Deport, Texas, Don was the son of Joe Travis and Mildred Louise Bybee, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his sister, Katina Barton, and his brother, Terry Bybee.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Julia Martinez Bybee, whom he married on May 29, 1971. He leaves behind his daughters, Angela Mattox of Arlington, Texas; and Terri Roberts of Bedford, Texas;, along with, their husbands, Sam Mattox and Randall Hula.

Don was also blessed with two granddaughters who held important places in his life: step-granddaughter, Kaylin Mattox and granddaughter, Isabel Roberts. From the time she was born, Don helped care for Isabel, sharing school pickups, dinners, and the everyday routines that shaped a deep and lasting bond between them.

In his childhood, Don was a military kid, moving frequently from base to base and collecting stories along the way, especially from the family’s time in Alaska. Those early travels shaped his curiosity, his ability to make friends quickly, and his lifelong sense of adventure. Don later served in the U.S. Army Reserve, carrying forward his family’s tradition of service.

In 1963, Don began a four-decade career at Bell Helicopter, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in 2002. He took pride in his work and in the friendships he made along the way.

Outside of work, Don lived a life grounded in simple joys and steady devotion. He loved his model trains and summers spent fishing at Lake Bridgeport. He coached girls’ softball for Angela and spent many school lunchtime hours with Terri.

Don was always ready for a good poker game, teaching Isabel to play using popcorn as betting chips, and he delighted in games that brought people together, including the long, late-night spades matches he played with Julia and close friends, their laughter drifting through the house when the children were small.

His favorite refuge was his garden. In true Don fashion, everything in it was built from scratch: brick walkways, deck additions, koi ponds, flowerbeds, and quiet corners of beauty. He tended each plant with care and befriended the squirrels who visited daily for treats, greeting them like old friends. As Don’s health made working in the yard more difficult, Julia lovingly stepped in, tending the garden in his place and carrying forward the same gentle presence he brought to it.

Don was a natural storyteller with a quick-witted sense of humor who never met a stranger. Don didn’t seek accolades or attention. His life was lived quietly and purposefully, built around family, home, and the deep contentment he found in nature and routine.

He will be remembered for his warmth, his steadiness, and the love he poured into the people and places around him.

A celebration of Don's life will be held at the family home on Saturday, December 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.