Robert Mitchell Barrett

12/07/1943-03/27/2024

Robert 'Bob' Barrett was born on December 7th, 1943, in San Diego, CA, to LCDR William Barrett Jr., USN (Ret) (d. ~1995) and Dorothy Barrett (d. ~1997). The eldest of three boys, preceded in death by his brothers Jeffry (d. ~1997) and Steven (d. ~1990), Bob grew up experiencing different cultures around the world. Bob graduated from Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico, before earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from New Mexico State University in 1967. During his time at NMSU, Bob joined the ROTC and later enlisted in the Air Force.

While stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA, Bob met his beloved wife, Darleene. They were married on August 8th, 1971, settling in Los Angeles, where Bob pursued his Master's in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, graduating in 1973. Following various postings, including in Massachusetts, Bob and Darleene returned to Southern California in 1978. After serving his country for 20 years, Bob retired from the Air Force in 1987 and began a new chapter at Jet Propulsion Laboratories. During his tenure at JPL, Bob contributed to numerous projects, notably the Mars Rover. He retired from JPL in December 2005 and dedicated his time to his passion for gardening, and volunteering his time with the Arabian Horse Association of Southern California.

Bob passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning of March 27th, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Darleene, his eldest daughter Katherine, her husband Thor, and their daughters Shelby and Sydney, as well as his youngest daughter Michelle, her husband Cristopher, and their sons Mason and Holden. Bob took immense pride in his family and cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held in the afternoon of May 10th, 2024, at McWane Family Funeral Home in Hemet, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob's honor to New Mexico State University College of Engineering.

https://nmsufoundation.org/givenow/giving-engineering.html

Re: Department of Engineering Technology