Richard Merrill Barrett

Richard Merrill Barrett, age 89 of McKinney, Texas. Born June 3, 1933 in Santo, Texas to Newell  and Clemmie (Crone) Barrett, passed away April 13, 2023 at home with loved ones at his side. 

Richard grew up on airports in the southwest. His father was a CAA aviation communications specialist in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Aviation was always dear to his heart.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War in the 376^th Bomb Wing, a B-29 outfit, in Louisiana as a bayou bush pilot, as a corporate pilot and Major Chief Pilot, Louisiana State Police for Gov. Jimmy Davis.

He was employed by Delta Airlines for 31 years, retiring as an International Captain on the  McDonald Douglas MD-11.  After retirement Richard continued to fly as a Corporate Jet Captain for 27 years.

Proceeded in death by his parents, son Richard Allen Barrett., brother Jack Conrad Barrett. Survived by brother Bill Funderburk, wife, Virginia Schmidt Barrett; four children, Laura, Lisa, Susan and Ruth; grandchildren, Steven Oliver, Joe, Suezanne, Katie Ryan and Nicki Johnson.  Three great grandchildren, Spencer, Hanna, and Grace Oliver.

Family graveside service

Interment at Barrett Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Texas

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to Lone Star Underdogs, 2931 Ridge Road, Suite 100 #170, Rockwall, TX 75032 “In memory of Windy” or donor's choice.