David Paul Barrett

David Paul Barrett gained his heavenly wings on January 10, 2025 in the loving presence of family at the wonderful age of 95. Born the second son to Thelma and Paul Barrett in Cheboygan, MI (on the kitchen table) on May 22, 1929. David spent most of his childhood in East Lansing, graduating from East Lansing High School in 1947. He joined the US Army and completed his term of service prior to attending Michigan Agriculture College (MSU) on the GI Bill to pursue a degree in special education. He met Janet, the love of his life, on the daily bus ride to their student teaching assignments. They married in June of 1954 and, after several years living in Vassar, MI, the couple settled in Jackson in 1957.

Dave started his career as a speech therapist, but is better known for the 25 years he served as Director of Special Education for the Jackson Public Schools, advocating relentlessly for children with special needs. He earned his masters degree in School Administration from MSU and taught classes at EMU during those early years in Jackson.

Dave credits the inspiration and example of his wife, Janet, for his conversion to the Catholic faith. He and Jan were active in numerous church activities before Dave felt called to apply for the diaconate program. They spent five years traveling to weekly classes before he was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Lansing in 1981.

In 1986, after 35 years in education, Dave retired from JPS to devote his time to his church and the diaconate. During that time he had the privilege of running the RCIA program, guiding others in learning more about the Catholic faith. As a convert himself, he was gifted with gently guiding and encouraging people in their faith. Dave published a weekly article, The Deacon's Bench in the church bulletin. Dave served as a volunteer ombudsman for the Jackson Medical Care Facility for twenty years. In this role, he was the liaison between families and staff to ensure open communication and quality care. As a deacon, Dave presided over countless weddings and baptisms, including those of his children and grandchildren. He was a gifted homilist, sharing insight into the mass readings as well as providing valuable connections to real life application of Gospel lessons. Dave was a member of the Jackson Area Ministerial Association, a group of interfaith ministers and spiritual leaders in the Jackson area, acting as a Catholic representative and as secretary for their monthly meetings until 2022. Deacon Dave was granted senior status in 2004, at the age of 75, but continued to serve in a less active role for many more years, even editing the church bulletin until 2023.

Dave's many gifts include his quick wit, keen intellect, generous heart and his wise insight. In parenting, he and Jan were a great team, expertly balancing loving support with practical advice. They enjoyed traveling whether it was to England (where, on their first trip, he took more than 600 pictures/slides) or to their children's and grandchildren's endless school and sporting events, cheering on every accomplishment and milestone.

Dave was well known for his authentic English scones which were greatly enjoyed by family and friends, and for his Jackson County Fair award-winning garlic. He was a talented musician, playing the guitar and harmonica. He and Jan frequently sang together, harmonizing beautifully. A family favorite, even as recently as this past December, was the harmonized singing of Happy Birthday via phone call. Dave enjoyed gardening, music, writing, and watching favorite sports teams. In later years, he especially loved to spend time sitting in the beautifully well-tended garden of the home he and Jan shared for 64 years.

Dave touched the lives and hearts of countless people both directly and indirectly by the way he lived. We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will forever cherish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Stephens and Paul Barrett, brother Robert Barrett, and daughter-in-law, Nancy Stevenson Barrett. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Janet; children; Kristi (Steve) Blair, Michael (Valencia) Barrett, Alesa Barrett, and Holly (Glenn) Strong; grandchildren, Sarah Blair, David (Nadina) Barrett, John (Alisha) Barrett, Ann (Ed) Kelley, Megan (Nick) Cross, Ransom (Julia) Brown, Aubrey Dull, Nathan Dull, Michael Strong, and Daniel Strong and 11 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring staff at Summit Park Assisted Living and to Cindy and Liz at Gentiva Hospice for their loving care and support. We would also like to thank Dad's treasured friend, Bob Deaver, for the 50 years of valued friendship and weekly breakfast dates.

According to Dave's wishes, cremation has taken place.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Timothy MacDonald presiding.  The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Queen's website https://queenschurch.com/ and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/@queenschurch/.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 18 at Queen's Church from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers: contributions to the Jackson Interfaith Shelter, Gentiva Hospice or the Jackson Area Catholic Schools are appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 135 years