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Joseph Edward Barrett
04/29/1908 — 05/24/2004
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Minneapolis, MN
Joseph Edward Barrett
Joe Barrett, 96, died peacefully at Guardian Angel Homes in Richland, Washington on May 24, 2004.
He was born on April 29, 1907 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Edward and Catherine O'Boyle Barrett. The family moved to N. Idaho where his father died when he was three. He grew up in small timber and railroad towns of N. Idaho and NE. Washington such as Athol, Spirit Lake, Usk, Ruby, Tiger, Blueslide, and many more. The family finally settled in Medford, Oregon in 1925, where he worked in construction and in the pear industry.
He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was assigned as a truck driver in the 3807th Quartermaster Truck Company. In the D-Day invasion, he transported ammunition for the 101st Airborne Division. He carried troops and supplies in The Battle of the Bulge and was in Berlin at war's end. After an honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to Medford and drove a delivery truck for the American Laundry and the Medford Cleaners, of which he was a part-owner. He then drove a parcel-post truck for the US Postal Service and retired in 1973. He moved to Richland in 1992.
He married Regina Dusenberry in 1943 and they were married until her death in 1984. He practiced his Catholic faith all of his life.
His sisters, Lucille and Charlotte, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Sander of Bend, OR; nephews Gregory Wright of Stockton, CA, Larry Wright and wife Gale of Prosser, WA, and Terry Sander and wife Denise of Bend; and several great and great-great nephews and nieces.
The family sincerely thanks the staff at Alterra Wynwood and Guardian Angel Homes for their devoted care and friendship.
A graveside service will be held in Medford at a later date.
Memorials can be sent to the Christ the King Catholic Church Visitation Ministry, 1126 Long Ave., Richland, WA 99352.
For the past two or three years I bought holy communion to Joe every Tuesday morning. I remember Joe as a very warm hearted gentleman who tried to act crusty, but he couldn’t fool anyone. He always responded “yes” when I asked if he wanted to receive, after I assured him that there wouldn’t be any long winded prayers. We said the “Our Father”; he recieved and then I recited a closing prayer. Joe briefly shared his feelings and I always looked forward to our time together. He met my wife and inquired about her on occasion. He also knew his nurses and respected what they did for him. I pray that he is with God now.
Pete Jackson
We have such fond memories of Joe and Regina Barrett. They were very outgoing, warm, and unique people. From time to time our thoughts reflect back to the days of long ago, remember and smile.
“Grandpa Joe” as we called him was the first person we met when our family moved to Oregon in 1978. Joe and Regina were our next door neighbors and proxie grandparents.. Regina would give us a glass of soda and Joe would tell stories of the war or his days of the postal service.
Joe would rake our leaves if we didn’t do it as fast as he thought we should and he chuckled when we took pictures of the first frost. It was raining at Immigrant lake when Joe taught me to water-ski. We couldn’t leave ’till I got up, so I did!
The last time I saw Joe he was sitting in the front row at my wedding. He was watching with his binoculars so he didn’t miss anything. He moved to Washington the next week in June of 1992.
Thanks for the memories Grandpa Joe…. Love, Chris
Seems like only yesterday ….
I still see Joe in his postal uniform around town. I still see Joe at Mass. I still see Joe’s gracious smile. Thanks Joe for being a part of my formative years. You are sorely missed here.
For the past two or three years I bought holy communion to Joe every Tuesday morning. I remember Joe as a very warm hearted gentleman who tried to act crusty, but he couldn’t fool anyone. He always responded “yes” when I asked if he wanted to receive, after I assured him that there wouldn’t be any long winded prayers. We said the “Our Father”; he recieved and then I recited a closing prayer. Joe briefly shared his feelings and I always looked forward to our time together. He met my wife and inquired about her on occasion. He also knew his nurses and respected what they did for him. I pray that he is with God now.
Pete Jackson
We have such fond memories of Joe and Regina Barrett. They were very outgoing, warm, and unique people. From time to time our thoughts reflect back to the days of long ago, remember and smile.
“Grandpa Joe” as we called him was the first person we met when our family moved to Oregon in 1978. Joe and Regina were our next door neighbors and proxie grandparents.. Regina would give us a glass of soda and Joe would tell stories of the war or his days of the postal service.
Joe would rake our leaves if we didn’t do it as fast as he thought we should and he chuckled when we took pictures of the first frost. It was raining at Immigrant lake when Joe taught me to water-ski. We couldn’t leave ’till I got up, so I did!
The last time I saw Joe he was sitting in the front row at my wedding. He was watching with his binoculars so he didn’t miss anything. He moved to Washington the next week in June of 1992.
Thanks for the memories Grandpa Joe…. Love, Chris
Seems like only yesterday ….
I still see Joe in his postal uniform around town. I still see Joe at Mass. I still see Joe’s gracious smile. Thanks Joe for being a part of my formative years. You are sorely missed here.
We moved next door to Joe and Regina in the fall of 1978. He quickly introduced himself and we were friends from that day on. In fact, we called him Grandpa Joe and enjoyed his company. He was a wonderful story teller and knew just about everyone in Medford at that time. We have so many fond memories of him. We were sad when he left. I helped him pack up his house on Park Street and we visited him a few times in Richland. Lucille used to keep us informed of their lives there until her death. He was a wonderful man and we’re glad to have had him for part of our lives. We would like to know when the interrment will be in Medford so we can attend. Our condolences to all his family.
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Joseph Edward Barrett