Obituary of Charles Leo Barrett, Jr.
Charles Leo Barrett, 96, of Portland, Oregon, passed away November 10, 2020 with family by his
side. His youngest daughter, Elizabeth, sang to him while passing. He was born November 26, 1923 in
Franklin, Pennsylvania to Charles Leo Barrett and Leona (Jones) Barrett. He was a “Purple Heart”
veteran of World War II. On April 2, 1945 he married Dolores Doran and through their union had six
children. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1956 and later divorced. Charles was employed in the
construction industry as a Rebar Detailer. He worked in the Phoenix Metro area with many
companies. Over several decades he contributed to the Valley's growth taking part in numerous
construction projects and shared his expertise by training others to join in the trade. Music and art were
his lifelong passions. He was a professional drummer and played with many bands as early as his
teenage years. He loved to cook for his family and friends and was a great storyteller. Through music
he met Maria Ruiz Corona, a singer and composer from Guadalajara, Mexico. They married in 1971.
They joined talents and shared a musical life together until Maria’s death in 2012.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife Maria in 2012; daughter Agnes Barrett in 1964; his son
Charles Barrett in 2004; his brother Richard Barrett of Franklin, Pennsylvania in 2018. He is survived by
his daughter Susan Reed of Bandon, Oregon; daughters Mary Steele and Elizabeth Japenga of
Portland, Oregon; son James Barrett of Phoenix, Arizona; and sister Joan Beith of Franklin,
Pennsylvania; his six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces;
son-in-law, and daughters-in-law. He is also survived by his wife Maria’s large extended family. There
are many nieces and nephews both in Phoenix and Guadalajara who loved their “Tio”.
Charles will be buried at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona on December 3, 2020 with a
Veteran’s graveside service. He will be interred next to his wife Maria and daughter Agnes.
A Veteran’s Service will be held in honor of Charles Barrett at 11:00 o’clock, December 3, to be followed by a Blessing by a Priest.
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