Kenneth D Barrett

Kenneth D. Barrett, 69, of Elkhart, died at home on Saturday, October 28, 2017 after an illness.

Ken was born November 10, 1947 in Elkhart to the late Selmer A. and Nellie P. (Ritchie) Barrett.  Also preceding him in death were two sisters; Edith Hibschman and Fay Barrett and one brother, Don Barrett.

Ken is survived by a daughter, Megan Barrett of Mishawaka; a son, Jon (Tamara) Barrett of Valparaiso, IN; three grandchildren: Kalei and Connor Barrett and Theresa Lazzaroni; one sister, June (Paul) Bolinger of Denton, TX and one brother, Jack (Patty) Barrett of Elkhart.  Also surviving is his feline friend, Smokey.

Ken was retired from Conrail as a carman.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and a member of the American Legion Post 308 in Osceola and the Conrail Union.  A fan of politics and history, he could often times be found playing cards with his friends or holding court at the “Jimtown Café”.  A rated chess player, Ken won many tournaments and as a youngster, played a rated chessmaster to a draw.  He was also an avid Dodgers fan and a lover of animals, especially dogs and cats.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 on Thursday, November 2 at the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home where services will be held at 5 p.m.  Cremation will take place and private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in memory of Ken be directed to the Elkhart County Humane Society 54687 C. R. 19 Bristol, IN 46507..

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