Richard M. Barrett was born in Skidmore, Missouri, on April 15, 1924. He was one of a set of twins of four children born to Floyd R. and Okalla (Suttle) Barrett. Richard graduated from Skidmore High School and entered the University of Missouri.
He then was drafted into the U.S. Army and served overseas during WW II. His service record included earning the Silver Star for action in France, Germany, and Austria, with specific action against Germany’s Nordwind Campaign; the southern portion of the Battle of the Bulge-Belonging to 3rd Bn, 232 Infantry, 42nd Infantry Rainbow Division Action Award; the Combat Infantry Badge; and for serving in major battles of Central Europe, Rhineland, Alsace, and Ardennes. He also was a part of liberating Dachau Concentration Camp, and one of his fondest memories was when a young Jewish man ran down the road to greet Richard with a hug and a “thank you.”
On November 22, 1950, he married Bernice J. Ohlensehlen in Corning, Missouri. They became the parents of five children. Richard and Bernice were married for 52 years before she passed away in 2003.
Richard completed his BS in Agriculture Education and his Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Missouri. He taught high school Vocational Agriculture at Craig, Tarkio, and Mound City, Missouri.
After retiring from teaching he was employed by USDA as Field Man, Holt County Farm Service Agency and Compliance Assistant, Northwest District Farm Service Agency. Richard served as Holt County Missouri Extension representative, chair of Holt County Extension Council, a county representative to Northwest Region of Missouri Extension Council, and Ag Chair of Northwest Missouri Extension Council.
He was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westboro, Missouri, an active member of the Masonic Lodge, and a life member of the Paul P. Shutts American Legion Post 121.
Richard passed away on January 14, 2020, at a Nevada, Missouri care center.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice in 2003; their son, Richard “Rick” in 1998; brother, James; and sister, Elinor Gurnon.
Survivors include his children, Dianne (Larry) Furbeck, Rob (Susan) Barrett, Cathy (Bob) Summers, and Christie (Randy) Heldstab; daughter-in-law, Nancy Barrett; special, long-time family friend, Kevin Livingston; grandchildren, David (Lee) Furbeck, Darren (Wendy) Furbeck, Lori Beth (Tyler) Myers, Travis Barrett, Dallas (Lacey) Barrett, Adam (Angela) Barrett, Seth (Jill) Barrett, Blake (Janna) Robertson, Greta Barrett, Lauren Summers, Meghan (Andrew) Cameron, Jaimie Heldstab, Sarah (Adam) Bettis, and Emily (Mike) Durig; great-grandchildren, Cameron Furbeck, Christian Furbeck, Amanda (Corey) Stottlemyre, Claire Furbeck, Carson Myers, Colin Myers, Kainon Barrett, Drycen Barrett, Bronx Barrett, Matthew Barrett, Elizabeth Barrett, Tyne Robertson, Niya Robertson, Henry Cameron, Summer Cameron, Barrett Durig, and Everett Durig; one great-great-grandchild, Ryan Stottlemyre; twin brother, Robert Barrett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were held Monday, January 20, 2020, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Westboro, Missouri. Interment was held at Burr Oak Cemetery in Skidmore, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainfuneral.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Chamberlain Funeral Home, Mound City.
