Dr. Ottie Eugene Barrett, Jr.

Dr. Ottie Eugene (Gene) Barrett passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 in the Woodlands with his family at his side. Gene was born to Ottie E. Barrett and Annavieve Fraser Barrett on May 19, 1934 in Huntsville, Texas. Due to asthma he moved to the west Texas town of Sheffield during high school and lived with his great aunt, Betty Mitchell. After graduating from Iraan High School he attended Sul Ross College for one year and then transferred to Texas Tech University where he received a B.A. Degree in Zoology and Chemistry. As a student at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, Texas, he met Carole Anne Klapperich, a student at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and they were married in 1958. Together they raised four wonderful children during their 64 years of marriage. Following Dental School in 1959, he served as Captain in the United States Air Force Dental Corp. from 1959 to 1961. He returned to Huntsville and was employed by the Texas Department of Corrections as a dentist and had a private dental practice for 43 years until retirement in 2002. During his professional career he was a Life Member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association and earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He completed all continuum courses at the Pankey Institute in Florida. He served as president of the Brazos Valley District Dental Society and in 1992 he was nominated by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry for "Dentist of the Year." As a native of Huntsville he wanted to give back to his hometown. He served eight years on the Huntsville City Council, was a member of the Huntsville Rotary Club, lifetime member of the Sam Houston State University Alumni, member of the Sons of the American Revolution, lifetime member of the Walker County Fair Association and a member of the Josey Scout Lodge Board of Directors. Gene was a devoted member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and was actively involved becoming a parish of the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the Parish Council and was a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He dearly loved his family and looked forward to all their visits and family celebrations. Gene was an avid reader and loved playing tennis weekly with his tennis buddies at Elkins Lake and April Sound Country Clubs. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Barrett Davis. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Carole; daughters Amy Barrett Haney and husband John of Lufkin; Lisa Barrett Jordan and husband James of San Marcos; Julie Barrett Ginther and husband David of Dallas and son Daniel Barrett and wife Shawn of Houston. Grandchildren include, John Haney III and wife Sarah, Anna Haney Garcia and husband Julian, Michael Haney and wife Hannah, Cody Brackeen and wife Caroline, Sarah Brackeen Goodman and husband Derek, Katie and Claire Ginther, Grace and Lauren Barrett and 7 great-grandchildren. Sisters Jane Ann Durbin and husband Chuck, Mary Elizabeth Russell and husband Lee, brother-in-law Robert Earl Davis and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be Monday, December 26th, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas. A rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 1323 16th St., Huntsville, TX 77340, on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Fred Valone officiating. A reception in the church hall will follow and interment will follow reception at Oakwood Cemetery in Huntsville. Donations may be made to the St. Thomas Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com. Due to it being the Christmas holiday, please either order flowers online at www.huntsvilleheartfieldflorist.com by noon on December 24th or call Sweet Karoline's at 936-291-6929 for your floral needs.

Dr. Ottie Eugene Barrett, Jr.

May 19, 1934 - December 21, 2022