Robert Rhett Lax

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Rhett” Lax, beloved father, son, brother and friend. He passed on March 25th, 2025, at the age of 47, apparently succumbing to complications from hernia surgery. He was born on April 14, 1977, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rhett was a man of integrity, known for his unwavering loyalty, boundless generosity, and kind-hearted spirit. His infectious sense of humor and loving nature made him a beloved figure to all who knew him. Whether it was making others laugh, offering a helping hand, or simply being there for those in need, Rhett’s presence always brightened the room; his devotion to his family was unparalleled. As a father, he cherished every moment spent with his children, often indulging them in playful moments such as playing Fortnite with his son, going to places like the movies, theme parks, and Great Wolf Lodge; he even let his daughter paint his nails and put makeup on him. His love for his kids knew no bounds, and his sense of adventure even extended to spontaneous 3:00 am outings to Buc-ees; these are memories his children will forever hold dear.
A proud veteran, Rhett served with distinction in the United States Navy from 1994 to 2007, embarking on 6 world tours and 10 deployments, including three years with the Navy SEALs and completing assignments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known for his skills as a weapons specialist and in law enforcement, Rhett’s bravery, loyalty and commitment to excellence was evident in everything he did. His dedication to his service and his comrades in arms spoke volumes about his sense of honor and duty.
After his time in the Navy, Rhett continued to show his diligent and hard-working nature in all aspects of life. He became a triple-certified police officer, firefighter and EMP, working for a short time in those fields. He then worked as a high-risk roof inspector and as a safety inspector for oil and gas companies in Midland for several years before getting into real-estate development. He designed and built living quarters for women and children in Midland before moving back to the DFW Metroplex in 2024. His last few months were spent designing and building a beautiful “barndo” in Waxahachie for his mom and new dad Peter, who is also a veteran, whom he always called “Sir”. It was his idea to enclose a Bible in the foundation, visible through the floor, just inside the front door.
Rhett loved to learn, often watching documentaries and educational videos late into the night. He also enjoyed movies and television programs, especially mysteries and crime dramas. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, always wearing their jerseys on game day. But nothing about Rhett surpassed his love for his children. They were everything to him.
Rhett is preceded in death by his dads: Robert Harold Lax and William “Bill” Fryman; and grandmothers: Irene Kerr and Erika Lax.

He is survived by his mother, Deena Fryman Robinson and her husband Peter; his son William “Tenneson”; his daughters: Kayson and Emmerson; his sister Allison Fryman; his brother Jered Lax, his wife Tara and their four children; his brothers: Greg Fryman and Bryan Robinson; a few cousins and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at Lone Star Cowboy Church in Ovilla, TX.

Inurnment at DFW National Cemetery will take place on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 11 AM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Rhett Lax, please visit our floral store.