Lee Roy Barnhart of Abilene Texas died April 7 2011 at home.   North's Funeral Home of Abilene Texas is handling the immediate arrangements and a military memorial service will be held in June in Illinois .   Born February 22 1939 in Edwards County Illinois he graduated from Edwards County High School in 1956 and joined the Air Force.   Lee enjoyed a twenty-nine year distinguished career retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1986 with multiple honors and awards for his service.   After retirement he opened ESCO-Electronic Services Company and enjoyed owning and operating his business until 2001.   He married his high school sweetheart Sheron Quillen June 25 1959.   Lee and Sheron were married almost forty-two years at the time of her death in 2001.     His daughters recall childhood memories he created for them like the time he stayed up all night and built an igloo and ice-rink for them in New Hampshire .   He continued building memories with his grandchildren by taking them fishing having buried treasure scavenger hunts and water balloon fights in his backyard and making home-made ice cream with them.   "Grandpa" was fun and let his grandchildren drive the tractor and wrestle with him and do all the things that moms would say were "dangerous".   To his grandchildren he was a giant of a man.     Lee will be forever remembered for his work ethic patriotism and love of his country for his complete love and devotion to his wife for his generosity and tender heart hidden behind a tough exterior.   He loved well and he was loved.   Lee was preceded in death by parents Wilbur and Sylvia Barnhart wife Sheron Barnhart and granddaughter Tara Drummond.   The loss of the love of his life Sheron and his sweet granddaughter broke his heart beyond repair.   Lee is survived by two daughters Tina Drummond and husband Brian of Dallas Georgia and Teresa Perrin and husband Greg of Tucson Arizona; three grandchildren Brittney and Michael Drummond of Dallas Georgia and Blake Perrin of Tucson Arizona .   Also brothers Frank (Delores) Barnhart of Kansas Illinois Gilbert (Brenda) Barnhart of West Salem Illinois and numerous nieces nephews and cousins and other family members.   He is also survived by a legion of fellow veterans and friends who have walked along side him through the years.   Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.