Donald Barrett

Donald Elton Barrett, the second child of Floyd and Dotha Barrett, was born near Randall, Kansas, on his family's farm June 15, 1922.  He was called to heaven Friday afternoon November 6, 2020, at the age of ninety-eight years, four months, and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Eloise English. Those left to celebrate his life are his wife, Jeanette, who resides at Hilltop Lodge Nursing Home, Beloit, Kansas; sons, Don (Charli) of Randall, Kansas, and Brad (Steph) of Beloit; grandchildren, Erika Barrett, Jefferson City, Missouri; Kirsten Jones (Nathan), Beloit; Heather McDonald (Sean), Brewster, Kansas; Shelby and Sydney Barrett, Salina, Kansas; Jake Barrett (Molly), Randall; great grandsons, Brooks and Jace Jones, and Boone and Porter McDonald. Also left to remember are many nieces and nephews, a host of friends, and caregivers from Hilltop Lodge Assisted Living, Hilltop Lodge Nursing Home, and Mitchell County Hospital nursing staff.

After his graduation from Randall High School in 1939, Donald worked as a mechanic at Boeing Airplane Company in Wichita until he enlisted into the United States Navy on October 20, 1942. His experiences on U.S.S. LST 552 in the Pacific Theater during World War II were the most memorable of his life. Donald returned to the family farm after his honorable discharge January 11, 1946, where he opened his own mechanic business and farmed.

Donald married Pauline Jeanette Bunch on April 21, 1948, in the farmhouse east of Randall, where they lived together until they moved to Hilltop Lodge Assisted Living. There, they raised their two sons, Don Raymond and Bradley Leon, instilling in them a love of the land and the farmer's lifestyle. In order to supplement the family income, Donald took his family to San Diego, California, during two winters in the mid 50's where he worked in a mechanic's shop and Jeanette worked as a secretary. After those two years, the call of the land kept them home where Donald farmed and worked on his neighbors' equipment until his retirement. Even after his sons took over the farming operation, Donald was always active busily maintaining the farmstead or helping where needed. Whenever something needed to be done, he was always willing to help without complaining or choosing the easy job.

In July of 2012, Donald and Jeanette moved to the Hilltop Lodge Assisted Living facility where he continued his active lifestyle folding silverware, vacuuming the dining room, and growing tomatoes. He became a favorite of all caregivers from that point on.

Family and friends knew Donald to be a good, hard-working man of integrity who was at all times honest and polite. He carried deep convictions and strong opinions that he stated quietly but firmly with few words and showing little emotion. As a son of the Great Depression era, he was not a risk taker but was steady and confident in his own ability to work through any difficulty to provide for his family.  As he aged, he became less guarded, and though still using few words, he was able to speak his heart through his eyes.

On November 6, 2020, Donald passed from this life as a result of pneumonia developed after a fall and partial hip replacement. He departed quietly, peacefully, and in his own private way with Pastor Dan Daniels present to release him into his Lord's care.

Funeral services will be at 2 PM Wednesday, November 11 at the Randall Community Church. Visitation will be from 2-7 PM with family present from 5-7 PM Tuesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the Barrett Family, which will be used for the Hilltop Lodge Assisted Living & Nursing Home or Mitchell County Hospital nursing staff.