Mary Lee Waskow Barr–Cox went to be with the Lord March 13, 2012. She was born August 31, 1922 in rural east Bell County to Frank and Mary Waskow. Mary Lee’s heritage could be rivaled by few. She was a Waskow: a distinction envied by many but matched by few. Mary Lee was one of eight Waskow children: Paul, August, George, Bertha, John, Selma, and Henry. Mary Lee revered her younger brother and war hero, Capt. Henry T. Waskow, a legend in this area. The loss of Henry was a heartbreak for the Waskow family but a true example of servant leadership. Selma, Mary Lee’s older sister, was her companion living out her life at the Rosewood and shared in many occasions recognizing Henry. Selma is Mary Lee’s only surviving sibling.
After graduating from Belton High School, Mary Lee began her career with the original Bell telephone company. She continued to serve as a loyal employee for the Mid-Texas telephone company for many years until her retirement. Mary Lee was a life member of both the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the 36th Infantry Division, past chairman of the United Way drive, member of the Killeen Historical Society and the Modern Study Club, awarded as Citizen of the Year of the Sons of the American Revolution, member of the Killeen and Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, member of the Telephone Legends, and an honorary member of both the Killeen Rotary Club and the Central Texas Home Builders Association. Mary Lee had a servant’s heart which shown through her long time service to and membership of the First Baptist Church of Killeen. Mary Lee was very proud of each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Mary Lee was married to T. H. Barr Sr. and shared in their love and joy of their four beloved sons. The stories of their boys’ up-bringing was a part of endless conversations about the past. She is survived by her sister Selma Barr; Son T. H., Jr. and wife Ann and their two sons, Trey and Blake and his wife Sarah and children Oliver and Katherine Elizabeth; Son, David and wife Mary. David was step-dad to Bill and wife Lea Anne; Tom and wife Leslie and their son Carter; and Mary Anne and husband Peter and their son Pierson; Son Jim and his wife Peggy and their daughter Autumn; Son Kim and wife Kelly and daughters Lenna and Jessica and son Travis with whom Mary Lee shared a special relationship with as she shared their home for four years. She is also survived by sister-in-law Billie Hall and husband Norman, and numerous nieces and nephews. In her later years, Mary Lee found companionship and love again with her second husband, P. R. Cox, who preceded her in death.
The world lost a woman of great strength and love. She set the bar very high in our family. She overcame so much in her life and did it with grace and poise. After losing T.H. in 1966, she raised four boys to adulthood as a single working mother, which speaks volumes to her virtue and strength. Her love for service to her community and her coworkers shines down through generations following her leadership. She has inspired many with her Christian life. She is with her savior today. Mary Lee will be missed.
Love, family, friendship, Faith, and service exemplify the life of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-grand mother, Sister, Aunt and friend. We will love her forever and cherish her legacy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Killeen- Building Fund or the Rotary Foundation.
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