Donald Eldon Barrett

Donald Eldon Barrett, 77, of North Platte, went to be with our Lord on March 5, 2022. Don was the son of Cecil and Ruby (Kruser) Barrett and was born in Anselmo on Feb. 19, 1945. He grew up on a farm near Merna and shared many childhood stories of the good old days. Don graduated from Merna High School in 1963, and shortly after he met the love of his life, Judy LaVon Baillie. They were united in marriage on Dec. 14, 1965. Don was drafted into the Army in 1965 and served in the Vietnam War. When he returned, they raised three children and settled in North Platte where he was a selfless servant to his family by working as a local route salesman for Old Home Bread for over 30 years. After retiring in 2007, he spent his winters in Mission, Texas, with Judy. He loved to go camping and fishing with his family and going to coffee daily with his buddies. He was a car enthusiast and proudly owned 113 cars in his lifetime, including a collection of muscle cars that he proudly showcased in various car shows. He passed that love of cars on to his children and grandchildren. Don never met a stranger. If he knew you, you got a nickname whether you liked it or not, which meant how much he cared. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ruby Barrett; in-laws, Howard and Mabel Baillie; infant sister, Gaylene Barrett; his brother, Edwin "Bud" Barrett; infant sister-in-law, Beverly Baillie; and brother-in-law, Larry Baillie. He is survived by his wife, Judy Barrett of North Platte; children, Kandra Simmerman of North Platte, Kimberly (Daniel) Reed of Parker, Colorado, and Shawn (Brandy) Barrett of LaVernia, Texas; six grandchildren, Logan (Taylor) Simmerman, Baillie Simmerman, Austin Reed, Addison Reed Nicholas Barrett and Beau Barrett; soon-to-be great-grandson, Barrett Simmerman; siblings, Dorothy (Norland) Carr, Anita (Bill) Stone, Duane Barrett and Dixie (Curt) Griess; and many nieces, nephews and close friends. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, at Calvary Baptist Church. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell. The service will be livestreamed via the Carpenter Memorial Chapel Facebook page for those unable to attend. Viewing will be 1-7 p.m., with family present 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 10, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.