Melvin Barrett

Colonel (Ret.) Melvin R. Barrett, age 86, of Trenton, IL, was called home by the Lord on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Mel was born January 12, 1940, on a farm near Calumet, Oklahoma, moved west with his parents and grew up in Reedley, California. He later earned a bachelor's degree Magna Cum Laude from McKendree University and a master's degree from Webster University.

Mel married his loving wife, Cheryl Barrett (nee Cryder) on May 15,1976, at Scott AFB and she survives in Trenton, IL. In addition to his wife, Mel is survived by his son Reverend Steven (Kay) Barrett of Millstadt, IL and his favorite daughter Krista (Rob) VanderMolen of Gilbert, AZ. He is survived by his grandchildren Christopher, Savannah, and Parker Barrett of Millstadt and Amanda VanderMolen of Chandler, AZ., Alyssa Birmingham of Gilbert, AZ., and Aubrea (Johnathan) Cuevas of Mesa, AZ. He was also a proud uncle to Kerrie (Tim) Klein, Kellie (Phil) Kunz of Trenton, and Brent (Jamie) Brede of Aviston.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nancy Barrett of Calumet, Oklahoma and in-laws John and Dorothy Cryder of Trenton. Also preceding him are his half brothers and sisters Archie Barrett, Frances Commander, Ray Barrett, Mona Snyder, Mary Ann MacCain, Dean Barrett, Bessie Holiday, and Marvin Eudy.

Mel retired from the United States Air Force in 1986 after 26 years of service. He flew ten different aircraft and amassed over 5,000 hours of flying time. He clocked over 600 hours of combat time in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Mel was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished flying Crosses, three meritorious service medals, and 11 air medals. He served three years as an Air Force Advance Agent for Presidential Flight Support of Air Force One. Following his service, he retired from Lockheed Martin Corporation after 12 years as a Marketing Manager. Mel spent four years on the Trenton City Council and aggressively worked to improve city infrastructure and the Trenton Nutrition Center.

Twenty days before his passing, Mel was honored as part of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, traveling to Washington D.C. with his son, Steve, and other veterans. On this memorable trip, he experienced the one sentiment missing from his Vietnam War homecoming, the appreciation of a grateful nation and her citizens.

Mel was a true patriot. He proudly served the country he loved so much. He had a generous heart always willing to give his time, love, and help to others. Mel enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer, but what brought him the greatest joy was cheering on his grandchildren, nephews, and nieces at their sporting events. Mel will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on through his family forever.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton, and again Monday, September 28, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at West Gate Baptist Church in Trenton. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Hooks presiding. Interment will follow at Trenton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts,  memorials may be made to Westgate Baptist Church or Land of Lincoln Honor  Flight and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home,  535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, which is serving the family.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Moss Funeral Home