Msgt. Paul Edward Barrett

Paul was born in Terral, Oklahoma, On August 16, 1932. He was the first of eight. His folks moved to Texas, where he went to Vega High School. His memories were Aunt Edith teaching him his ABCs and working with his uncle. He had no hobbies when a child, just hard work. He did remember going on a train to Florida with all of the kids to see his Daddy off to war. He remembers playing softball and baseball in school. 

Then came the Korean War, so he joined the Air Force when he was 18.

He took some college courses at night but didn't finish because he got married and went to England, where he and his wife had 2 children. They came home to the USA, were stationed in Georgia and Del Rio, Texas, where they had 2 more children. He was stationed in Illinois, Florida, Maine, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, where he retired from the Air Force with 21 years of service. While in the service he was awarded many medals along with the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Master Missileman Badge. 

He was a lifetime member of The American Legion Post #2, a lifetime member of the DAV chapter Knob Hill #26, and a member of the TREA chapter #20. He was also an" Honorary Member" of the British Legion while stationed there.

After retiring, he worked for Mitchell Campers for a few years, then Rocky Moutain Sales. In 1985, his health took a dramatic turn downward. We sold our home and took the profits, bought a motorhome, and worked for the Forest Service, Texas State Parks and Kentucky State Parks as campground hosts for 12 years. 

Paul had a love for meeting people and the outdoors. He loved boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking mountain trails. He also loved to dance with his Sweety. 

He had numerous heart attacks and surgeries. He moved out of the motor home and lived in the Presbyterian Towers in Pueblo for 15 years with his Sweety. 

He moved to Loveland to be near good Doctors and his family. When he passed away on June 5, 2024, he had been married 72 years. He was 91, and had his family and friends near him. He went peacefully and knowing much love. He had a great life and knew he was going to be with God.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Alta Barrett, daughter, Sherry Kelley (Rocky), six grandsons, one granddaughter, and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by 3 sons, James Lewis, Michael Lynn, and Joseph Allen Barrett, who are patiently waiting for "Dad".