Robert Barrett, Jr.

Colonel Robert C. Barrett, 86, of Colonial Heights passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan on November 13, 1935, he was the son of the late Robert and Leona Barrett. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1957 with a degree in Business Administration. After completing Reserve Officer Trainer, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. His military education includes the completion of both the Basic and Advanced Quarter Officer Courses, the Infantry Basic Course, and Special Forces Officer Course. He also attended the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

During his Army career, he has served in troops units as an Infantry Platoon Leader, QM Company Commander, as Supply Officer (S-4) in both the 5th and 6th Special Forces Groups the Supply/Logistics Officer (G-4) of the Allied Command Europe Mobile Force, and the Commander of the 553d Supply and Service Battalion at Fort Hood, TX. He commanded the Defense Depot in Mechanicsburg, PA, and was a Deputy Commander, 1st COSCOM, Ft. Bragg, NC. He has held staff positions as an Advisor to the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Chief Quartermaster as Personnel Assignment Officer in the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center, Director of Training Development in the U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Ft. Lee, VA; the C-4 Logistics, of ROK/US Combined Field Army, and the Commandant of the Logistics Management College (ALMC).

He has served overseas in Alaska, Germany, Vietnam, Grenada and the Republic of Korea.

Colonel Barrett’s Decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 3rd Oak Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachute Wings, and foreign awards from the Republic of Vietnam and Federal Republic of Germany.

Colonel Barrett is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Barrett; his children, Robert C. Barrett III (Julie), Randi Lanzafama (Joe) and Terri Barrett-Vaden; three grandchildren, Robert C. Barrett IV, Kyle Evans, Leigh Barrett-Smith (Eric); and one great-grandchild, Virginia Mae Smith.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022, in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Rd, Amelia Court House, VA 23002. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday night, February 2, 2022, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Fort Lee Quartermaster Foundation, PO Box 5230, Fort Lee, VA 23801. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.