WaKeen D. Barrett

Lovingly known as “Papa Bear” by those who knew him best, WaKeen Dean Barrett tragically passed away at UC Health University of Colorado Hospital on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the age of 66. He was born to Bobby and Martha (Weeks) Barrett on July 5, 1958 in Trenton, NJ. Growing up, his life consisted of various moves across the country due to being the son of a Navy sailor. WaKeen enjoyed playing sports such as football and basketball in high school and graduated from Herington High School in Herington, KS in 1977. 

Joined with his two sons, WaKeen was married to the love of his life, Nancy Boxler, on February 1, 1986 in Salina, KS. To this union, two daughters were born, Alysha Ann and Rebecca Lauren. WaKeen and Nancy were happily married to each other for 39 years.

WaKeen, a resident of Aurora, Colorado, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and son. He spent his career in transportation logistics as a dedicated Fleet Manager as well as home remodeling and maintenance. WaKeen and Nancy enjoyed going on many adventures together traveling in their fifth wheel camper. Other hobbies consisted of fishing, hunting, camping, bird watching and gardening. His favorite sports consisted of football, baseball, and golf. 

WaKeen is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Aurora, CO; son, JD Barrett and wife April of Herington, KS; son, Steven Barrett and wife Alex of Basalt, Colorado; daughter, Alysha (Barrett) Brown and husband Daniel of Holyoke, Colorado; daughter, Rebecca (Barrett) Daley and husband Austin of Parker, Colorado; brother, Mark Barrett and wife Pam of Clarksville, TN; sister, Christine Barrett-Bukowski of Herington, KS; and mother, Martha Barrett of Abilene, KS. Grandchildren include Damien Barrett and wife Mary of Garner, North Carolina; Logan Barrett and wife Angel Eubanks of Herington, KS; Breanna Barrett; Kaysten Barrett; Sierrah Kelly; Samuel and Nathaniel Brown; Elise and Ava Daley. Great-grandchildren include Eden and Max Barrett, Jackson and Emily Barrett.

WaKeen is preceded in death by father Bobby D. Barrett of Herington, KS. 

His life was a testament of love, dedication, and hard work, and he will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who loved him. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and upload photos of WaKeen to his memorial page as a celebration of his life, his legacy, and the joy he brought to all those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the FamilieSCN2A Foundation in honor of WaKeen’s grandson, Nathaniel "Bubba" Brown.

Donations can be sent to: FamilieSCN2A Foundation PO Box 4260 Gettysburg, PA 17325

Or made online at: https://scn2a.org/donate.html

Your generous support will help further the foundation’s important work in the fight against SCN2A-related disorders.