Eugene Barrett, widower of Betty Ruth Addison Barrett and the son of the late Moffat and Nancye Arnold Barrett was born in Booneville, Kentucky on August 23, 1936, and departed this life in Irvine, Kentucky on November 5, 2023 at the age of 87 years, 2 months, and 13 days. He was a Founder and Elder of the Community Christian Church and a retired oil field worker for Ashland Oil. Eugene also worked as the Deputy Director for Lee County EMA from 1997-2008, then went on to serve as Director until 2019. He also worked as an EMT for over 35 years and was a member of the Lee County Rescue Squad for over 37 years. Eugene loved serving Lee County, which led him to the honor of being awarded the 2001 Woolly Worm Citizen of the Year and named an EMA Hall of Fame Inductee in 2017.
Eugene leaves behind his two sons, Larry W. Barrett and wife Pam and Anthony Ray Barrett all of Beattyville, Kentucky; two sisters, Janet McGuire also of Beattyville and Juanita Ryker of Versailles, Kentucky; a special family friend, Brandon M. Griffith; his special fur baby, Toby; his nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his wife, Betty Ruth and parents, Moffat and Nancye, Eugene was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Edwin Barrett and Moffat Barrett, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lee County High School Band.
Funeral Services will be held at the Community Christian Church at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 with Rev. Steve Rich officiating and a private burial will follow in the Eugene Barrett Family Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at CCC from 6-9PM. Newnam Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
