Howard Stanley Barrett, known to many as Sonny or Barney, was born on February 6, 1930, in Honolulu, Hawaii, the eldest son of Emily Amorin and Howard Roscoe Barrett. A man of unwavering strength, courage, and determination, Howard dedicated his life to his country, his family, and the many passions that filled his extraordinary 95 years.
At just 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy, beginning a life of service to his country. At 21, he transitioned to the U.S. Marine Corps, where he would go on to serve with honor and distinction for almost 30 years. A proud Marine, he saw combat in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his tour in Korea in the 1950s, he was wounded in battle and earned the Purple Heart, a testament to his bravery. His service continued through two tours in Vietnam in the late 1960s and early 1970s before he retired from military service in the mid-1970s.
He was a devoted husband to Betty Ann Marcoe, his beloved wife of 60 years, until her passing on April 8, 2008. Their love was the foundation of a life rich with adventure, resilience, and deep family bonds. Now, after years apart, he is reunited with his bride at heaven’s gate, a moment of peace we hold onto even as we grieve his passing.
Never one to sit idle, Howard embraced every new challenge with determination and passion. He became a private pilot, earning an instrument rating—an incredible achievement that spoke to his skill and dedication. He and Betty spent countless hours in the sky, traveling across the country, visiting friends and family, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. He was also a long-haul truck driver, a profession that suited his introspective nature, giving him time to reflect and enjoy the solitude of the open road. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter, a business owner, and a man of many trades—if there was something to be done, he did it with excellence.
Howard had a deep artistic side, a talent that many may not have fully known. As a young man, he loved to draw and was an exceptional artist. That creative spark lives on in his children and grandchildren. He was also a gifted storyteller, captivating his family with tales of adventure, humor, and wisdom. Many cherished evenings were spent gathered around, listening to Grandpa’s stories, his words weaving together the past and present, teaching and entertaining all at once.
Above all, Howard was a family man. He is survived by his loving children, David Lee Barrett (Patty Barrett) and Diane Marie Gower (Charles Gower), who carry forward his legacy of resilience and strength. His impact extends through his seven grandchildren: Windy Busher (Kevin Busher), David Ramsey (Sonya Ramsey), Jason Barrett (Junko Barrett), Stephen Barrett (Yumi Barrett), Michael Ramsey, James Barrett, and Annie Sifuentes (Zachary Sifuentes). His love and guidance shaped the lives of his 12 great-grandchildren: Tanya Young, Taylor Busher, Kaylee Busher, Ana Barrett, Manna Barrett, Cana Barrett, Matthew Barrett, Noah Barrett, Nora Sifuentes, Zoe Sifuentes, Jaina Barrett, and Julia Barrett, as well as his 3 ½ great-great-grandchildren: Hudsyn Young, Blakely Young, Easton Young, and Baby Young, who will grow up hearing stories of the great man he was.
To all who knew him, Howard was a pillar of strength—always ready to lend a hand when needed, never afraid to speak the truth, and always leading by example. He was a man of integrity, honor, and quiet wisdom. His 95 years with us were not enough, but we find comfort in knowing that while we must say goodbye for now, we will see him again in time.
Rest easy, Marine. Your mission is complete, and your legacy lives on in all of us.
