|
CPL - E4 - United States Army - 196th Light Infantry Brigade
Donald Barrett was born October 30, 1949 in Dalton, Georgia. He deployed January 30, 1970. Three short months later (April 30, 1970) Donald was killed in action in Quang Tin, South Vietnam by a ground explosive device during hostile enemy activity. He was 20 years old.
The Vietnam War Memorial includes Donald's name on Panel 11W, Line 73. I visited The Wall in the summer of 1992 and lovingly touched that name, carved there along with 58,000+ names of Americans who lost their lives serving their country in Vietnam.
Donald's death brought home to us the reality of what was happening on the other side of the world. The Vietnam War (I refuse to call it a "conflict") had been, up until news of his death, something we saw on the news every night or read about in the newspapers. His death made it all too real for us, no longer a far-away war but now something that touched us, and hurt us, deeply.
Donald's deep, booming laugh, his loyalty to and love of his family and friends, his near constant smile...things I will never forget. I was privileged to know him and I am honored to remember him.
Some gave all...
PFC Barrett
Funeral services for PFC Donald Barrett, 20, who was killed in Vietnam on April 30th, will be held Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at McFarland Hill Baptist Church on Brickyard Road with Revs. LLoyd Guffey and Ray Quinn officiating.
Other than the ministers chosen by the wife the U.S. Army will supply a Military Detail to handle the complete military funeral.
The body is now ready for viewing at the funeral home and will remain at the funeral home until the funeral hour.
PFC Barrett is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sherria Henderson Barrett; parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Clyde Barrett of Dalton; three sisters, Mrs. Nellie Davis and Mrs. Betty Kendall of Dalton and Mrs. Barbara Carlock of Cleveland, Tenn.; two brothers, J.C. Barrett of Tunnel Hill and Rondal of Dalton; grandparents, Mrs. Hattie Anderson and Mrs. Lizzie Barrett of Hiawassee, Fla.
(Citizen-News: Dalton, Ga., Friday, May 8, 1970, Page 2)
The Stroup Funeral Home of Dalton, Georgia was in charge of the funeral arrangements.
PFC Donald Barrett was laid to rest in the West Hill Cemetery in Dalton, Georgia.
|
Sandra Cook (Page) (1972)
I want to say thanks for all you did for our country, I know it is hard for on your family but i know they must be very proud of u. My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family.
Charles Mitchell (1968)
Donald and I were good friends from grammar through high school. I remember vividly when I heard the news of his passing. Donald taught me the meaning of hard work on the football field, a tireless worker who believed in getting everything right. He never quit and he never gave in, he would push himself, and his teammates to get better, a born leader. Donald and I hung out a lot in high school, and I will truly miss him at this reunion, he belongs here. Rest In peace brother, you gave it your all.
Carol Sane (Crow) (1971)
I remember Donald Barrett very well and will always remember his kindness and strength. A favorite memory is when he drove him his house on Hill Rd to mine on Tibbs Bridge Rd with a gray tabby striped kitten draped around his neck like a scarf. He was in his little VW and the cat (later named Kenny for Coaches Hilliard and Wilburn) lay there just as calmly as anything. Kenny lived many years at our house and everytime I looked at him, after Donald passed, I thought of Donald. Thank you Donald for some beautiful memories and for your generous service to our Country. May you rest in peace. You are greatly missed.
Elmarie Mathis (Celatka) (1972)
Donald was a "Gentle Soul". Even if he wasn't smiling,he had a twinkle of one in his eyes.I really got to know Donald when he and his girlfriend ( later his wife ) Sherry Henderson attended McMarland Hill Church;that is where Jimmy(my boyfriend) and I attended.We would go to the movies,out to eat,and sometimes just drag main street which was a very popular past time back then.By the time Donald left for Viet Nam,the four of us had married,and my Jimmy was in the Marines.Double tragedy struck,Donald was killed in Viet Nam,and,my brother also named Donald was killed in a automoblie accident.Jimmy was sent home to attend not only the funeral of a brother-in-law,but also a good friend.Both were killed on the same day.
Within two years, from 1970 to 1972,I had lost three special people. Jimmy passed away January of 1972 from a cerebrial hemmorhage. Donald is buried at West Hill and Jimmy at Whitfield Memorial Gardens,so,when I visit one,I drive over and check on the other. None of you are forgotten.