On January 26, 2026, John Philip “Phil” Barrett answered the call to the next life.

In this life, Phil found himself always duty bound. To the Air Force, to his workplace, and most importantly to him – his family. His loyalty to family was boundless, even when those duties clashed.

It’s for this reason that Phil found himself driving at unreasonable speeds on Christmas, frequently, to get back to his family. Usually with a cassette in the tape deck that was either of the Blues Brothers themselves, or Blues Brothers adjacent. Always with a radar detector and backroads knowledge to avoid a speed trap. But he arrived home, safe and sound, to enjoy the holidays with family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Barrett and Mae (Neff) Barrett, as well as a sister, Donna Jo (Barrett) Kellar. He is survived by his brother Mike Barrett and Kathy (Wegner) Barrett, a son John “Tony” Barrett, and a daughter in law Victoria Dickman-Burnett (of whom only recently agreed to call Phil “Phil” instead of “Mr. Barrett,” much to his protracted chagrin).

But first in his heart, his bride of 51 years. Joanne Barrett. She sadly preceded him in death on November 25, 2025. He had renewed his vows to her in July of 2025 to belatedly commemorate 50 years of marriage. After being separated from her, his long bout with illness became too much. He then left to rejoin her in the next life.

Now, while it’s unlikely, he’ll need a radar detector to avoid speed traps to get back to her – maybe if you listen closely, you’ll hear “Hold on, I’m coming” blow across the breeze.

A joint celebration of life for the couple is tentatively slated for early to mid-April of 2026. Koch Funeral Home, Scio has been entrusted with his arrangements.