Arther Wilburn Barrett, Sr., 96, went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 19 (2011) at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Harrison.
He was born Jan. 18, 1915, at Clarksville, Texas, the son of Lewis Ivy and Imy Crawford Barrett. He attended school in Deport, Texas. Arther married Elsie Miears on Sept. 20, 1936.
Arther and Elsie moved to Harrison in 1949 when he purchased Acme Laundry and Cleaners. On Jan. 18, 1995, Arther married Sue Keeter Billings. They enjoyed traveling, attending the Hearthstone Sunday School Class and spending time with family and friends.
He established Barrett Plastics in 1995 and continued to work there daily until four days before his passing.
He was a member of First Christian Church of Harrison where he was a faithful member of the Hearthstone Sunday School Class. He was a loyal Razorback fan, enjoyed attending horse races at Oaklawn and starting his work days at his McDonald’s Coffee Club.
Arther is survived by his wife, Sue Billings Barrett; his son, Arther W. “Cocky” Barrett, Jr. and his wife Cathy; daughter-in-law, Edith Barrett; son, Mark Billings and his wife, Sherri; daughter, Sandra and her husband David Breedlove; six grandsons, David Barrett, Josh Barrett, Arther W. “Pete” Barrett III, Zeke Barrett, Gabe Barrett and Dusty Breedlove; nine granddaughters, Lisa Barrett Bishop, Annie Barrett Cox, Susan Barrett Bruffett, Amy Barrett Payne, Rebecca “Ree” Barrett Oxford, Carla Barrett Jackson, Addi Billings Jones, Emily Billings and Haley Breedlove; 20 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ima Jo Barrett Allen; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Elsie Miears Barrett and Charlene Curtis Barrett; one son, Royce Miears Barrett; two sisters, Maxine Rains and Frances Ridens; and two brothers, Maurice Barrett and Lewis Elder Barrett.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at First Christian Church in Harrison with Dr. David Artman officiating. Pallbearers will be David Barrett, Josh Barrett, Pete Barrett, Zeke Barrett, Gabe Barrett, Tyler Cox, Dusty Breedlove and Eddie Young. Honorary pallbearers are members of Hearthstone Class and all his past and present employees. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at First Christian Church under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 997, Harrison, AR 72602 or Hearthstone Class Love Offering at First Christian Church, 915 South Maple, Harrison, AR 72601.
