BEDIAS, TX, USA U.S. Marines LCPL, CLB-6, CLR-2, (II MEF FWD), 2D MLG, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC RAMADI, IRAQ 07/22/2007
He was born in Conroe, Texas and lived most of his life in Bedias. Now, Lance Corporal Bobby Lee Twitty has come home for the last time.
The body of Lance Corporal Twitty, 20, who was killed in Iraq Sunday, July 22, 2007, arrived at Easterwood Airport just after 3 p.m. Thursday. His body was met by his fellow Marines and his family, the Madisonville High School grad’s flag-draped casket was brought from the plane to a hearse that would carry him home to Madison County.
“I think it’s every citizen’s obligation to pay respect to the men and women that are putting their lives on the line as this young man did,” said John Happ, the director of Easterwood. “I think it’s really an honor and a privilege that we’re able to have this kind of a service at Easterwood.”
Many flags out only for national holidays fly prominently in Madisonville, some at half staff in honor of Twitty. About 60 people lined the downtown square, most bearing American or Texas flags in tribute to the fallen soldier — a young man forever known to all as a patriot.
Twitty joined the Marine Corps in 2005 after graduating Madisonville High School. He was on his fifth month of service in Iraq when he was killed in a vehicle accident in Anbar province. He grew up in Bedias and was the second oldest among six brothers and sisters.
“He told his father he wanted a challenge,” his aunt, Carolyn Johnson said of his decision to join the Marines.
At home, Twitty enjoyed playing pool and bowling. He also loved hunting with his father and uncle, family members said.
They said he will be remembered by his friends as outgoing and fun-loving. In the short 20 years that he was with us, he made a lasting impression with numerous people, Johnson said.
He also is survived by his parents, James and Tammy Twitty.