Richard T. Barrett

Richard T. “Rich” Barrett, 84, formerly of West Malone St., Peoria, passed away at 5:13 PM on Thursday February 25, 2010 at Bel-Wood Nursing Home in Peoria. He was born on December 5, 1925 in Murfreesboro, TN to Walter and Mary Howland Barrett. He married Janet Sue Phillips on July 5, 1953. She preceded him in death on March 7, 1999 in Peoria. He was also preceded by his parents, one son, Richie, and one sister. He is survived by 3 daughters Kim (Rick) Wolpert of Peoria, Brenda (Mark) Hawthorne of Champaign, IL, and Susan Barrett of Jacksonville, FL; 2 grandsons Andy (Tracy) Hawthorne of Cleveland, OH and Adam Hawthorne of Champaign, IL.; one brother Lloyd Barrett of Murfreesboro, TN; and brother-in-law Richard Phillips of Peoria.

Richard was an Army veteran, a recipient of 2 Purple Hearts, and a member of the VFW. He had worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. Inc for 32 years, retiring in 1982 as a machinist. He later worked for what is now First Bank in Peoria as a courier for 18 years. He was of the Methodist faith. Richard was very involved with his family and especially enjoyed his daughter’s and his grandsons’ sporting events. He also enjoyed playing cards and arguing with his family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5 PM on Wednesday March 3, 2010 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. Rev. Linda Gordon will officiate. A visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 PM Wednesday before the service. Cremation rites will be accorded. Burial of ashes will be at Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 606 West Glen, Peoria, IL, 61614 or to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Peoria Affiliate, 4700 N. University, Suite 92, Peoria, IL 61614.