Donald Barrett

BARRETT, Donald Lloyd

Donald Lloyd Barrett of Dunwoody, Georgia, affectionately known as "Papa Don," passed away peacefully surrounded by the family he loved on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the age of 80.

Don was an honest and charming man. He had a remarkable memory that connected himself and others to the past. He brought those he loved joy through his signature birthday songs, his genuine interest in their lives, his uniqueness, his generosity, and later in life – his texts full of weather reports, sports scores, and himself. Don knew what he liked. As an armchair quarterback with his television remote control and iPhone 8 Plus in hand, he was a chef, baker, homemaker, sports scout, coach, commentator, philosopher, prognosticator, aficionado, critic, doctor, nurse, mentor, mentee, politician, priest, pastor, father, brother, and friend. He was not an outwardly emotional man, but he always felt his family's joys, euphoria, and pain. He was always there for those he loved.

Don loved giving gifts. He loved Halloween. The local grocery stores long ago learned to stock up on giant candy bars for him. He loved bringing joy to the hundreds of children who visited his house each Halloween. He will no doubt be a legend to generations to come.

Don deeply loved his wife of 55 years, Kathy, whom he met while stationed in Turkey during his service in the U.S. Air Force. She preceded him in death, as did his parents, Virgil and Edith. He is survived by his three children, Matthew, Michael, and Elizabeth; his daughters-in-law, Maress and Natalie; his son-in-law, Daniel; his grandchildren, Hannah, Elise, Andrew, Lily, Evie, Rosie, and David; his four siblings, Buddy, Van, Randy, and Jan; and his extended family, including his 24/7 caregivers, whom he lovingly referred to "attendees."

Don's life can be summed up by his wireless password, which makes up for its lack of special characters and numbers with its simplicity: papadonloveshisfamily.

Visitation will take place at H.M. Patterson & Son - Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, on Monday, September 8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, in Sandy Springs at 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, September 9. The family asks that you honor Don's memory by spending time with your loved ones—just as Don always did. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Little Flower Group at thelittleflowergroup.org.