Obituaries
Richard Louis "Bart" Bartula
By Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home
Sep 16, 2008

Richard Louis "Bart" Bartula, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away September 15, 2008 at the age of 76 after fighting a six-year battle with multiple myeloma. Bart was born in the Polish community of Bremond, Texas on November 19, 1931 to Louis and Cecelia Bartula. His very early days were spent on his grandparents' farm in Bremond. Because of the Depression, his family moved to Oklahoma City, but after World War II the family moved to Electra, Texas.

After high school graduation from Iowa Park, he attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls until he was drafted into the army, where he served for two years. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Midwestern where he met and married his wife Betty Sue Wright on January 25, 1957.  He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Geology.  He began his career as a geologist with Humble Oil, but soon changed directions and went into the pharamaceutical business.  He was hired by A.H. Robins Company in 1961 as a pharmaceutical representative, moved to Dallas in 1963 where he spent the duration of his career, and retired in 1994 after 35 years as Southwestern Regional Manager.

He enjoyed spending time at his farm in Bonham where he and Betty had many dear friends and were active in the local Methodist Church.  He regularly volunteered at "Kool Club", an after school program for kids.  He and his wife Betty are current members of First United Methodist Church in Richardson where Bart was active in the Apostles Sunday School class, volunteered in the Men's Monday Handyman Guys, Habitat for Humanity and taught Vacation Bible School.

He was a frequent visitor at his grandsons' school, Prairie Creek Elementary, where he would read to the children and was a judge for the Invention Convention Fair held annually. 

He believed strongly in giving his time to others following the example in scripture from James 2:24 -- "You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone." His passion was being a mentor to children, especially to his grandsons who were the joy of his life. 

After he was diagnosed with cancer and had limited physical capabilities, he began volunteering at the Richardson Public Library through their "Friends of the Library" program.  He loved reading and began what became an extensive collection of Texana books.  His hobby was finding first edition, signed copies of rare books which became a passion during his last years.

The light of his life, however, was spending time with his four grandsons.  He loved telling the boys stories from the time they were very young, which inspired him to write a book,  Grandpa, Tell Me a Story, a collection of short stories from his early life that have been relived many nights through the imagination and endearment of his grandsons.  The boys never wanted a made-up story, they wanted to hear something real, so began the vision for his book. 

Bart is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Betty, and his children and their families: Debbie O'Reilly and her husband Mike and sons Connor and Cameron, of Richardson, Texas; Jan Rees-Jones, her husband Trevor and sons Trevor Richard and David, of Dallas, Texas; Sister, Vivian Faxel of Fort Worth, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

A private burial service will be held at Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham, Texas,  followed by a memorial service celebrating Bart's life held at First United Methodist Church in Richardson at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, September 17, with Dr. Clayton Oliphint officiating.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Richardson, 503 North Central Expressway, Richardson, Texas 75080 or the charity of your choice.