John E. Barrett

A celebration of life for John E. Barrett, 86, of Lakeside will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 19, at Hauser Community Church, 69411 Wildwood Rd., North Bend with Pastor Greg Stansel officiating. He passed away March 31, 2018 with his wife and family by his side. "I'm sure God welcomed him home with a well done my son well done", stated his wife, Diane.

John was born Sept. 12, 1931 in Illmo, Missouri, to Lawrence Logan Barrett and Hazel Neff. He came from very humble beginnings being one of ten children and having lost both of his parents at a young age, he was raised by his grandparents. He was studious and involved in extra curricular activities throughout his school years. Upon graduating high school at the age of 17 he joined the United States Navy and served 4 years during the Korean War. Following one of his U.S. Navy buddies home he settled in Bakersfield, Calif. where he was unofficially adopted into the Campbell family. He married Joy Niblett in 1953 and together they raised three children, Teri, Greg, and Keli. During this time he worked as a Kern County Sheriff Deputy in Mojave, Calif. and then as a California highway patrolman, a job he dearly loved. His CHP buddies remained some of his closet friends for the remainder of his life. In 1972, he married Alice Douglas and relocated to Paso Robles, Calif., where he became involved in various business interests. 

In 1990, John relocated again. This time to Bakersfield, Calif. In 1993, John married Diane Flint. Together they dedicated their life for living for Jesus. They relocated to Lakeside in 1994, and their exciting journey with Jesus began. They were introduced to the Prison Fellowship Ministry by Ken Cochran and Jim Kern. One trip to Shutter Creek Correctional Institute and they were hooked. The next 15 years were filled with life changing experiences both for the inmates and the Barretts including Diane's mother, Dottie, who the inmates refereed to as their favorite antique. They started with the eighth platoon in 1995, and in 1997 were honored by Shutter Creek as volunteer of the year. They became in prison coordinators and then area coordinators for Prison fellowship of Coos County. In 1998, Department of Corrections honored John and Diane with volunteers of the year award. They were the first couple to ever receive the award together. John and Diane attend attended Hauser Community Church for the past 25 years. They attended the Life Group at Wayne and Kay Christensen's house for over 15 years. John lead the study for at least 10 of the years. When Ernie Brazell moved, John stepped in and led men's Bible Talk at Hauser Church. John also was an usher at Hauser Church until age and difficulty standing didn't permit it. But, he was still back row aisle seat to greet all that came by him. Angel Tree Ministry was their ministry for many years. Making sure that children whose parent(s) were incarcerated would receive Christmas present's with an enclosed card from the incarcerated parent(s). Yes, God really used this ex-agnostic cop in a big way and it's impossible to even estimate how many lives were touched and changed through this wonderful man. 

John cherished his friends and family whether it was hunting, fishing or playing a competitive game of cards. Many wonderful memories and delicious meals were shared at the house on the lake. 

John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane Barrett; his daughter, Teresa and husband, Robert Staats; his son, Greg and Audrey Barrett; his daughter, Keli and husband, Nathan Puckett; his stepdaughter, Deborah West; his stepson, Bryan Flint; grandchildren, Daniel Staats, Levi and Stephanie Barrett, Morgan Barrett and Robert Graham, David and Veronica Puckett, Andrew Puckett, Rachel and Brion Spore, Matthew Hays, Bryan Daryl Flint, Jared Ruth, Tyler Ruth, Tevis Ruth, Joshua Flint, Sam Flint, and Harley Flint; and great-grandchildren, Abigail, Charlotte, Lucy, Henry, Titus, J.J., Gracie Mae, Matthew, Kevin, Sean, Drake, and Amber.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John E. Barrett, please visit our floral store.