Albert F. Barnett Jr

Albert Fredrick Barnett Jr. was born on March 14, 1929, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Albert Fredrick Barnett Sr. and Emma Ihrke Barnett. 

Raised in the beautiful landscapes of Colorado, Al developed a love for the mountains, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and skiing. His passions also included dancing, big band music, western movies, and traveling, particularly to Hawaii and Mexico, where he loved photography and snorkeling. 

Al earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of Colorado before attending Officer Candidate School. He served as an artillery officer in the 187th Regimental Combat Team, an airborne unit of the Army, during the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1960. 

It was while working at Caterpillar Tractor that Al met Carol Jean Chapman, who became the love of his life. They married on November 8, 1958. Carol, born on March 30, 1935, in Staunton, Illinois, shared Al's adventurous spirit. They moved to Caracas, Venezuela, for three years while Al worked as an administrator for General Electric. 

They returned to Colorado and built a loving home and family, raising three sons: Theodore, Andrew, and Gregory. Al earned a Masters Degree in Education Administration from the University of Colorado and enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Social Studies teacher and school principal in Jefferson County, Colorado, until his retirement in the early 90s. 

After retiring, Al transitioned to a career as a real estate broker until he and Carol moved to Florida in 1995. In Florida, he spent his later years camping, fishing, and birdwatching. Al had a special affection for golden retrievers, cherishing the companionship of Brandy, Smiley, Sunny, and Daisy. 

Al and Carol were blessed with grandchildren: Jessica, Mathew, and Robert. Al's son Gregory passed away, a loss deeply felt by the family. Al's charisma, humor, and dedication to his family and friends will be deeply missed. 

He passed away peacefully at his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on June 23, 2024 at 95 years old.