Douglas "Doug" Barrett

Douglas Joel Barrett, “Doug” age 66 residing in Auburn, Alabama, passed away unexpectantly at home on Monday, June 2, 2025.

 Doug was born at Whiteman Airforce base where his father, Dudley R. Barrett, originally from Cannon County, Tennessee, was stationed.  His mother, Wilma Litchford Barrett was originally from Nashville.  The Barrett family has been in the Southern United States since the 1740s, with many still residing in middle Tennessee.

Doug graduated from Claude High School in a class of twenty in the Panhandle of Texas.  Afterward he attended Abilene Christian University and left in his junior year to join the Army. He was stationed in Savannah, Georgia, where he served in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.  In Savannah, he married Janeane Watson of Decatur, Alabama, who was teaching in Savannah.  After Doug left active duty, they moved to Alabama where Doug attended Auburn University.  Doug became an Alabama National Guardsman.  Shortly after, their son Zachary William was born, followed by their daughter, Alison Savannah.

For over thirty-eight years Doug served the Army on active duty, duty in the Alabama guard, active tours of duty, and finally serving as full time support to the Alabama National Guard.

Doug served multiple tours of duty as a foreign Military Advisor, leading American and Afghan soldiers during the war in Afghanistan.  He was very proud of his Airborne Ranger Unit from his younger years.  He received multiple awards including the Bronze Star and the Italian Afghan Expedition medal.  He was entitled to wear four service bars for continuous time in combat zones.

Doug ended his career as a Department of the Army Civilian doing what he loved: Working for soldiers, until retiring a second time. 

Doug worked to honor his ancestors and veterans of all wars. Doug was a National and Life Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a member of Robert E. Lee Camp 16 in Lee County, Alabama, and was currently serving as the Alabama Division Commander of the SCV, an honored position in which he was diligently working to fulfill the Charge of the SCV.  Doug was a member of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, serving as the LT Commander of the Alabama Association.

Doug was a Christian and devoted husband of forty-two years. He attempted to be a better person every day and to make amends for his absence due to military duty during critical times of his children’s lives.  Doug is survived by his wife Janeane Barrett, his son Zachary (Jenna) Barrett, his daughter Alison (Jeff) Baker, four grandchildren:  Emma Claire Baker, Hillary Baker, Austin Baker, and James Douglas “J.D” Barrett, brother Rick Barrett, sister Karen Bean, Sister-in-Law Donna (Tom) Manes, a special Uncle and Aunt, Jerry (Faye) Barrett, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The addition of a daughter in law and son in law to the family brought Doug much joy.  He was a devoted grandfather and loved spoiling the grandchildren.   He never seemed to be able to pass up a gift shop when traveling and always tried to bring treasures home to the grandchildren. 

A graveside service will be held Monday June 9, 2025, 11:30 a.m. Central, at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, AL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans.