Barnett Lew

January 30, 1938 – March 12, 2026

Barnett Lew joined our Lord peacefully in his sleep on March 12, 2026. He was born on January 30, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, to C. F. Lew and Lily Wong Lew, arriving on the eve of Chinese New Year—the Year of the Tiger. He was the sixth of nine children and the fourth son. Because his immigrant parents were unsure what American name to give him, they lovingly named him after his doctor, Dr. Barnett.

Barnett attended Herff Elementary School, Poe Junior High, and Brackenridge High School. After graduating, he became the first of his eight siblings to attend college, earning a degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin.

As a young boy, he worked diligently in the family’s corner grocery store, where he developed strong business skills and a tireless work ethic. These qualities shaped his 40-year career as a pharmacist and store manager with Walgreens.

Barnett met the love of his life, Pat, at a Chinese youth club, and the two became teenage sweethearts. She graduated from high school the same year he completed college. They married on July 15, 1962—this year would have marked their 64th anniversary. After marrying, they moved to Austin so Pat could finish her college education. Although they originally planned to return to San Antonio, Barnett had already established himself at Walgreens, and together they had grown to love Austin. They ultimately made it their home for 42 years.

A lifelong sports fan and a proud UT alumnus, Barnett took great joy in cheering for the Longhorns. He was also an avid deer hunter for more than sixty years, sharing countless hunting trips and deer-sausage-making sessions with his son, Derek.

In 2004, Barnett and Pat made one of the most meaningful decisions of their lives: they moved to Pearland to be near their first grandchild born the year before. They wanted to watch her, and the grandchildren who would follow, grow up and to be an active part of their lives. During the school year, Barnett proudly served as the devoted chauffeur, picking up his grandchildren from school and taking them to their activities.

During the summers, he and Pat traveled the world and embraced the joys of his 26 years of retirement. Barnett was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and his family always remained at the center of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C. F. and Lily Lew; his brothers Albert, Steven, Jimmy, and Roger; and his sisters Mildred, Sadie, and Mae. He is survived by his brother Terry and wife Carla; sisters‑in‑law Ruth (Albert), Lucille (Steven), and Berta (Jimmy); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Barnett also leaves behind his cherished wife, Pat; his sons Kevin and Derek and their wives, Joyce and Cindy; and his three loving grandchildren, Allison, Alyssa, and Christian.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted and loving family and friends.

In his memory, donations may be made to:

The Gathering Place Interfaith Ministries

P.O. Box 2050 Angleton, TX 77516

gatheringplacebrazoria.org

A Memorial will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on March 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.