David enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, and hiking. He also enjoyed woodworking. His true passion was writing songs and playing them on one of his three guitars. One question he would ask people, “What is the best thing that happened to you today?” David, a true patriot, retired from the United States Army, honorably serving his country for 21 ½ years from March 13, 1967, to September 30, 1988. He received a letter from President Lyndon B. Johnson for assisting with the Great Flood of Alaska which occurred on August 12, 1967. He served in Vietnam in 1971. In 1980 he went to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin where he assisted with the Cuban Refugee Resettlement helping mostly single men between the ages of 25 and 35 years old.
Immediately following his retirement from active duty, September 30, 1988, he went to work as a Correctional Officer for Department of Corrections in Ordway, Colorado for nine years. He aspired to Vocational Instructor in the woodworking department supervising several inmate building projects for the community. He wrote the curriculum for that program which was implemented statewide in Colorado prisons by Department of Corrections. He was honored as State Employee of the Year and received the Governor Award presented in a ceremony by the then Governor Roy Romer.
David is survived by his loving wife Debbie. His greatest gift in life are his surviving children: David Jr. (Heather) and Tanya (Jennifer); his grandchildren: Brandon, Brooklyn, Dillon, Tanner, and Hunter; and three great-grandchildren: Aiden, Fayelyn and Graham. He loved them beyond measure. David also leaves behind his siblings: Bonnie (Ron) Updegraff, Sioux Falls, SD; Floyd Jr. (Nancy) Barrett of Fergus Falls, MN; Lynnette (Scott) Vaksdal, Canton SD; and Charlyne (Jerry) Poulos, Sioux Falls, SD. David was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Debbie, and two brothers, Bobby, and Bryce.
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A reception will immediately follow at the Olympian Plaza Event Center, 975 South Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. Burial will follow at Pike Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to a Veterans Charity of your choice: (example: Wounded Warriors Project.)
Our Sincere Gratitude
A most heartfelt thank you and appreciation for your expression of love and support during our time of bereavement. May God bless you abundantly.
With Love,
The Barrett Family
Lori Bunkers
24 Aug 2022Aunt Debbie, David & Heather, Tanya & Jennifer,
I will always remember the good times that my mom & dad & I had visiting you all in Colorado. I will especially remember the “hamburger” story & all the fun shopping trips we had.! Peace & comfort be with you all, love you.?❤️✝️