Halbert Olin Barrett, Jr. 72 of Staples, passed away on August 8, 2008 at his residence.   Funeral services for Halbert were held on Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at the Staples Alliance Church.  Interment was held at Evergreen Cemetery in Staples.

Hal was born on December 24, 1935 to Halbert & Alma Barrett in Staples.  He attended the public school of staples and graduated in 1953.  He farmed with his father until 1956 in which time he joined the US Navy as an enginemen, 2nd class.  Hal was honorably discharged in 1960. 

Hal married Sharon Alice Miller of Motley on August 12, 1957.  They returned to Staples after his discharge from the Navy.  Hal worked as a mechanic, and a plumber.  He then worked as a sub contractor for the American Breeder Service of Madison, Wisconsin.  Hal also was a dairy farmer and drove school bus for Staples schools until his retirement. 

Hal attended the Staples Alliance Church for the past 40 years.  He served as usher for many years and taught Sunday school.

Hal is survived by his wife Sharon of Staples, five children:  Jeffery (Sue Piepkorn) Barrett of Forest Lake, Tammy (Donn) Hoagland of Bemidji, Troy (Charleen Cook) of Staples, Dennis (Diane Lauderbaugh) of Bemidji, Jerome (Michelle Legvold) of Staples, 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

Hal is preceded in death by his parents, sister, 4 half brothers and 1 half sister.