Robert Lewis Barrett, 73, passed suddenly in the hospital on Sunday, November 5, 2023, after years of health struggles, surrounded by his family.
He was born October 14, 1950, in Montrose, WV to Lewis E. and Eleanor Jean (Huff) Barrett, both of whom predeceased him, and spent most of his youth and adulthood in the Washington, DC area, with time in Mississippi following relocation of his employer.
Bob graduated from Surrattsville High School in 1968, attended the University of Maryland, and subsequently the US Naval War College. He began work at the Naval Research Lab in Washington at the age of 19 and with a brief stint at NOAA he retired at the age of 48 to his beloved WV. He subsequently began to work as a contractor for various organizations until permanently retiring several years ago. Bob was recognized for his abilities by rising through the ranks to the very top of divisions at NRL, and service to the Navy through commendations and promotion.
In retirement Bob enjoyed nothing more than spending time with the family at the farm in WV, deer hunting season, smoking his cigars on the porch or in the barn, and sitting with his cat or a great grandchild or two in his lap watching sports or news.
Bob is survived by his wife Sharon Simmons Barrett, their children Lisa Millfelt (husband Mike predeceased), grandchildren Dustin Richard (great grandchildren Teagan, Wyatt, and John Carter) of WV and Saxton O’Brien of WV; Chad Lee (Jaime), grandchildren Chad Lee Jr. (predeceased), Kyrstan Lee (predeceased), Jacob (Brianna) Graves and Alexus Lee of MS. He is survived by his son Marcus Allen Barrett of MD (grandchildren Kyleigh, Jakob, and Isaiah of WV). Also surviving are his sister, Lois Hessberg (Lee) of SC, nephews Jason Hessberg (Andrea), grandnephew Jimmy and grandniece Natalie of SC and Justin Hessberg (Katie) of NY, grandnephew Casey (NY) and several cousins.
Bob was cremated. A memorial service is planned for the spring at the farm to spread his ashes. Final details will be announced at a later date.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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