Gary Hext was born on January 17, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, to Joe Turner Hext and Norma Guy Hext. He passed away on January 16, 2026, in Wylie, Texas, just one day shy of his 81st birthday.
Gary graduated from LaMarque High School in 1963 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University in 1968. During his time at Baylor, he was actively involved in the Kappa Omega Tau fraternity and was proud to be a member of one of its earliest pledge classes in the Spring of 1964. He also served as a Baylor yell leader, an experience he remembered fondly. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Sam Houston State University in 1973.
Throughout his professional life, Gary worked in public education, the insurance industry, and spent many years self-employed. His varied career reflected his adaptability, independence, and strong work ethic, always guided by a desire to provide for his family. During the 1980s and 1990s, Gary served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas. In later years, he often reflected that his time serving the church and raising his family were the happiest years of his life.
Gary was known for his kind and cheerful spirit. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. A standout athlete in both baseball and football during his high school years, he maintained a lifelong love of sports and never lost his passion for watching high school football.
Gary is survived by his wife, Phyllis Hext; his sons, Ben Hext and wife Dana Hext, and Jeff Hext and wife Amanda Hext; his brother, Bryan Hext and wife Dana Hext; and his grandchildren, Neal Hext, Ella Hext, William Hext, Faith Hext, and Anna Hext.
Gary will be remembered for his devotion to Christ and his love for family and friends
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2925 Fifth Street, Sachse, TX 75048

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