William Edward Barrett, Chief Master Sgt. USAF Ret.

William Edward Barrett

Chief Master Sgt. USAF Ret.

August 29, 1932 – August 14, 2022

            William Edward Barrett passed away peacefully Sunday, August 14, 2022 at the age of 89. William, known by many as Bill or Pa, had been a beloved member of the Forsyth, MO Community since 1979 when he moved to the area with his late wife, Dorothy Rae Barrett. A military honors graveside service will be held for Bill at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson, Mo. on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. Bill will be laid to rest alongside Dorothy Rae.

William was born on Monday, August 29, 1932 to Mary Helen Bond and Samuel Bowen Barrett in Tazewell, VA. Bill attended and graduated from Tazewell High School before entering the United States Air Force in February of 1951. He served in the Air Force in various roles primarily involving radar technology and communications flying on B-52's and KC-135. Bill flew several missions in his military career and notably recalls the 163 combat recognizant missions in Vietnam. His military career was finished out as Superintendent of Combat Crew Communications overseeing all SAC bases in the western portion of the United States. William was honorably discharged from service in 1977 from March AFB, CA with ranking of E-9 Chief Master Sergeant with the following medals/honors: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/8 Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. 

While in the Air Force, he met his wife Dorothy Rae Brown and they were married in Guam on June 19th, 1972; with this marriage he became step-father to Dorothy's three daughters. This role as step-father also blessed him with becoming a grandfather to which he played this role especially well and earning the title "Pa" to which he is known by many. 

After relocating to Missouri in 1979, most Forsythians remember meeting Bill as a gas station attendant at HR's Conoco station in town. Mr. Barrett was a volunteer for several years with the Springfield, MO Red Cross Chapter. He was appointed and served as the Inaugural Disaster Action Team Captain for Taney County. Bill's hobbies included flying, HAM Radio, volunteering and coffee shop visits with his friends. 

William was survived by his three step-daughters, Belinda Youngs, Cathy Flores and Debbie Dinger; grandchildren, Richard Lynch, Christine Lynch, Timothy Young, Casey Newhouser, Amanda Dinger-Rogers, Desirae Young, Chase Flores along with 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren; He is also, survived by one cousin, Judy Wadosky, two nieces, Elizabeth Shannon and Katherine Overcast. 

William is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, John Barrett. 

Memorial donations can be made in William Barrett's honor to the American Red Cross www.redcross.org.

Cremation is under the direction of the Kissee-Schofield-Eakins Funeral Home, Forsyth, Mo.