Theodore Freeman Barrett

Theodore Freeman Barrett moved to his eternal home on October 31, 2025, at the age of ninety-seven. He was born in Turon, Kansas to Harold Lester Barrett and Inez Marguerite (Hagan) Barrett. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Lyle Barrett, and his loving wife of 67 years, Norma Jean (Gentry) Barrett.

A lifelong enthusiast of transportation technologies, Ted's fascination with motor vehicles began in his early teens driving trucks and tractors on his grandad’s farm. In his twenties he worked on steam locomotives with the railroad in Kansas City and later witnessed the industry's shift to diesel power. With a mechanical engineering degree from Wichita State University, he advanced into the aviation industry, dedicating thirty-five years to The Boeing Company. Ted also had a private pilot license and delighted in flying family and friends between neighboring states.

While at Boeing, Ted played key roles in the 747 and 757 programs. His career took him abroad in the 1970s as a field service representative, living in London, Brussels, and Hamburg, experiences that broadened horizons for him and his family.

After retiring from Boeing in 1992, Ted's passion for driving compelled him to take part-time work driving tour buses for Gray Line in Alaska, and later between Vancouver, BC and Seattle, where he and Jeannie made their home. He retired again ten years later but continued to enjoy travelling, making frequent trips by car, train, and plane.

Ted remained very active through all his retirement years and loved visiting people and making new friends. He was a member of Kiwanis clubs in Everett, WA, and Plano, TX. He showed us all how to age well and was loved by many.

A man of faith, Ted expressed deep gratitude for his life and family, looking forward to his eternal home with his Savior and reuniting with loved ones. He liked to share the poem, "The Clock of Life" by Robert H. Smith. He cherished the words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "…I have finished the race, I have kept the faith..."

Ted is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Tom Frater; son, Steve Barrett; and daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Roger Belveal. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Ted Barrett’s Life will be on January 9, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. Please contact family for details.