Obituary of Ronald Barrett

Ronald was born in Treynor, Iowa on October 4, 1936. He was the son of the late Dorcas Faith (Racobs) and William Galen Barrett. Ronald graduated in 1955 from Tennant High School in Iowa. He began a twenty year career with the United States Navy in May 1955. He served during the Vietnam Conflict as an Aircraft Flight Engineer earning five Good Conduct Medals, Antarctica Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Ronald married Joanne L. Peters on June 15, 1957 at Naval Air Station Moffet Field, California. From this union would come the birth of six children. Ron retired from the military in September 1975. He began employment as a truck driver in 1975 working for several employers before being self- employed the four years prior to retiring in 1998. He married Sally (Leonard) Dykes on July 2, 1982 in Monroe. Ronald was a good man who loved his family and friends. He was helpful and generous with a heart of gold. He enjoyed deer hunting, camping, and was an avid fisherman. As a trucker, Ronald enjoyed the CB Radio carrying the handle "Rotten Ron". He was a lifetime member of the Monroe VFW Post 1138, American Legion, American Military Society, AARP, and HART (Highway Aid by Radio Truck). Ronald, age 77 of Monroe passed away at 3:40pm on Sunday, March 16, 2014. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a brother: Gary Arlin in 1941 and a grandson: Brock Barrett in 2007. To cherish his memory Ronald leaves his wife: Sally of Monroe; two daughters: LaVonne Barrett and Jannette (Michael) Marsh; four sons: Michael (Mari Alice) Barrett, Daniel (Pam) Barrett, Gary Barrett, and Ronald (Lisa) Barrett; sister: Kathy Jean (Joseph) Gasko; two brothers: William (Kathie) Barrett and Gayle (Barb) Barrett; ten grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Friday, March 21, 2014 also at Merkle's with Reverend James Jacobs officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery with graveside services under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post 1138. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.