Barbara Luce Veirs

Barbara Luce Veirs, a vibrant spirit whose curiosity and warmth touched everyone she met, passed away on January 10th, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on December 23rd, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas, she grew into a woman known for her boundless spirit, magnetic storytelling, and generous heart.

Brought up in a military family, Barbara spent her childhood in constant motion, attending over 19 different schools across the globe—from Paris, France, to Great Falls, Montana, where she ultimately graduated. These early travels shaped her lifelong love of adventure and her deep appreciation for the world’s many cultures.

Barbara’s professional life was as eclectic and joyful as she was. She once delighted children as a magician, and later delivered laughter and music through a singing telegram service, P.S. I Love You. Yet her greatest passion took flight—literally. At 40, she earned her pilot’s license, embracing the skies with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything she did. After piloting and becoming a flight instructor for a short time, she went on to retire from Southwest Airlines in the early 2000s after years of dedicated service in their customer service department.

Barbara and Jim found each other later in life, a meeting that felt like fate from the very beginning. They not only shared a love of adventure, humor, and companionship—they also shared the same birthday, a delightful coincidence that became a symbol of their natural harmony. Their connection was effortless, and warm. On May 22nd, 1995, they married aboard the Norwegian cruise ship, The Windward, in Vancouver, British Columbia, beginning a partnership defined by devotion, laughter, and a shared zest for life. In a beautiful full‑circle moment, they celebrated their 30th anniversary by renewing their vows on the Norwegian cruise ship, The Encore, a testament to a love that only deepened with time.

Barbara was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, (DAR), a historic organization dedicated to preserving American history, promoting education, and supporting patriotism. Honoring a family lineage that traced back to the Luce family, among the original settlers of Martha’s Vineyard, Barbara cherished the connection it gave her to her family’s deep roots in the nation’s early story.

Travel, however, was the great thread that ran through Barbara’s life. Long before she earned her wings as a pilot, she was captivated by the world and all its wonders. In retirement, she and Jim embraced that passion fully, exploring all seven continents and far more countries than could ever be neatly listed. From bustling cities to remote villages, from ancient ruins to icy landscapes, Barbara approached every destination with wide‑eyed enthusiasm. She loved meeting people, learning their customs, tasting new foods, and collecting stories.

She had a natural eye for antiques and an unmatched talent for discovering treasures where others saw only clutter. Thrifting wasn’t just a hobby for her—it was a joyful hunt. She loved wandering through flea markets, antique shops, and dusty back rooms, always searching for her next great conversation piece. Whether it was a quirky figurine, a vintage vase, or a forgotten relic with a story to tell, Barbara had a gift for finding items with charm and character. Her home became a museum of her curiosity, each object a spark for a tale she was delighted to share.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Jim Veirs; her son, Nick Michael; her stepdaughters, Victoria Veirs, and Theresa Starbuck; her stepson Hunter Veirs; her brothers, David Luce and Mark LaRue; her sisters, Lori Wentz and Lisa Patterson; thirteen grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Above all, Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and extraordinary ability to make others feel seen. She never forgot a name, never missed a chance to brighten a room, and never hesitated to share a story that would leave others laughing or inspired. Her presence was a gift, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Barbara will be laid to rest at Dallas Fort-Worth National Cemetery, where a graveside service will be held - please check back for a finalized date soon.