Samuel Richard Barrett: East Texas News
Samuel (Sam) Richard Barrett was born on January 23, 1944, in Cooper, Texas to parents Peter and Edna Barrett. Raised in Houston, Texas, he attended Smiley High School and later embarked on a military career by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in July 1962 and undergoing boot camp in California.
Throughout his extensive military tenure, Sam served at various naval bases worldwide, spanning locations such as the Philippines, Ireland, Scotland, Maine, Virginia Beach, Corpus Christi, and Beeville, Texas. After dedicating over 20 years to serving his country, he retired from the military to pursue further education.
Post-military retirement, he pursued academic endeavors at Corpus Christi State University, where he achieved a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1985, an accounting degree in 1989, and certifications as a CPA in 1990 and a certified fraud examiner in 1989. He specialized in auditing companies for mergers and acquisitions, showcasing his expertise in the financial sector.
Following his second career in finance, Sam prioritized spending quality time with his wife and family. He engaged in various hobbies, including flying miniature aircraft for Barnstormers in New Waverly, Texas, restoring his brother’s 1984 Mustang, tending to his homestead, rescuing needy felines, capturing local wildlife through filming, and caring for a collection of chickens in a meticulously constructed coop.
Known for his vast knowledge spanning numerous subjects, Sam was a cherished figure among his family and friends. His passing on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Conroe, Texas, following an unforeseen illness, left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Edna Barrett, as well as his brother, Stephen Barrett, Sam is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Donna Barrett; son, Travis Barrett; daughter, Shelley Barrett-Retiz, and her husband, Keanan Reitz; sister, Theresa Macek, and brother-in-law Steve Macek; grandchildren Brian Barrett and Keven Barrett of N.C., Taylor Clark and Trysten Clark of Mo., Justin Clark of Coldspring, Texas; and five great-grandchildren.
In remembrance of his life, family and friends gathered at Pace Funeral Home on Friday, March 7, 2025, followed by a service on March 8, 2025. The interment of Sam took place at Center Hill Cemetery in Oakhurst, Texas, with Minister Jack Williams presiding, and military honors rendered by VFW Post 8568. Throughout his life, Sam left an indelible mark on all those he encountered, and his legacy continues to resonate within the hearts of those who knew him.
