Elden R. Barrett

Elden R. Barrett of Lorena passed away Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. Memorial Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 31, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Visitation will begin 30 minutes prior to the service. Elden was born January 14, 1939, in West, Texas, to Dock and Mae Barrett. He graduated from La Vega and earned a BS in Education from Abilene Christian University, a Master's from the University of North Texas and a PhD from Texas A&M University. He taught at Connally and served as principal at Lorena High School. While at Lorena, he was assistant football coach and girls' basketball coach. He was also principal at Midway Elementary and High School and La Vega Elementary. In 1982, he joined Baylor University in the School of Education as a lecturer in the department of professional field experiences. He supervised student interns and helped develop the local professional development schools. He also was in charge of the internship abroad program. He served in leadership positions in the Association of Teacher Educators, Association of Texas Professional Educators, and Cen-Tex Reading Council of International Reading Association. He conducted many educational presentations both statewide and nationally. He retired from Baylor in 2011 after nearly 30 years as professor emeritus. Elden enjoyed baseball, having played throughout his youth, and traveled to many baseball parks across the country. He loved England and traveled there at least once a year for 25 years with his wife and family. He was a Lady Bears basketball season ticket holder for over 25 years and loved attending the games. Most of all he loved his family and adored his grandson David. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jo. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Barrett, of Lorena; son, Kevin Barrett and wife, Ly, of Arlington; daughter, Krista Barrett, of Lorena; grandson, David Barrett; sister, Kay Hines and husband, Danny, and brother, Boyd Barrett and wife, Kathy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Elden's name. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.