Don Barrett

Donald H. Barrett was born on May 4, 1928, in his grandmother’s home in Dobbin, Texas, to parents, Alvin Herbert and Ada Louise Reed Barrett. From these humble beginnings emerged a generous, kind, gentle, and loving man, who knew the value of hard work and education. As a valedictorian of his class at Montgomery High School, he received a scholarship to Texas A & M University. He worked his way through college as a Cadet pursuing a degree in chemical engineering. Occasionally, he would work concessions for Aggie football games to earn extra money while also getting a glimpse of the game. Don graduated from Texas A & M as a part of the class of ’49 and married the love of his life, Darlene Virginia Harbin, a few weeks later on June 11, 1949. Together they formed an inspiring love story that journeyed through challenges and celebrations shared by their three children: Daryl Romalis Barrett, Darla Louise Barrett and Doyle Clay Barrett; grandchildren: Shana, Barrett, Ashley, Brett, and Micah; great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and numerous extended family and friends.

Armed with a college degree, Don worked in Marshall, TX, Sweetwater, TX, and Illinois before moving back to Texas to work for Rocketdyne in McGregor, TX. He never bragged about his accomplishments in aeronautics and rocket motor designs; only those who worked with him for those 30+ years knew the realm of his intellectual abilities. His close friends in “The Supper Club” and members of Lake Shore Baptist Church knew him as a dedicated, generous and trustworthy individual who was often a man of few words, but those words carried much wisdom.

Trips to Kyle Field and G. Rollie White Coliseum for various A & M sports topped the list of Don’s preferred activities, along with family camping trips with the big green tent. He routinely led the family to the bi-annual UT - A&M bonfire and football game on Thanksgiving trips home to see his family. As a devout Aggie, he never left the games early, regardless of the score or the weather. He inspired others to attend and support the Texas Aggies, and he wore his Aggie ring with pride to the day he died.

After rising their three children, Don and Darlene pursued their complete lifelong dreams to travel and share the adventures in his detailed journals of each trip with accompanying photo albums. They enjoyed their many trips with their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings, cousins, and friends. Researching the areas for travel and planning those trips was the best part for Don. Perhaps his most meaningful trip was to England where he was able to research the Barrett genealogy and connect with newly discovered relatives.

Don lost Darlene, his wife and partner, on September 20, 2022; but as usual he faced the unforeseen with courage and determination until his failing health would not allow him to travel on. Don passed away in the early morning house of November 27, 2024; he was always an early riser who loved the dawning of a new day. RISE & SHINE, Poppa Don!! You have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many who were blessed to call you “Dad”, “Daddy”, “Poppa Don”, “Uncle Donald”, “Brother”, “Friend”.