Donald Eugene Barrett

Donald Eugene Barrett, 101, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader. Don lived a long life marked by service, dedication, and love for both family and country.

Born on December 7, 1924, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Don was the son of George and Rose Reynolds Barrett. When he was 10 years old, the family moved to Fort Collins, a place that would forever be his home. A proud graduate of Fort Collins High School, Class of 1942, Don went on to attend Colorado A&M—now Colorado State University—where he joined the school's cheer squad before being called into military service during World War II.

In 1943, Don enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where his determination and courage took him through flight training. He earned his wings in July 1945 and served his country honorably until his discharge in January 1946. Don's commitment to service continued long after his active duty; he remained with the Navy Reserve, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander before retiring in 1963 after two decades of proud service.

Returning to Fort Collins after the war, Don joined his parents at Zoric Laundry and Dry Cleaners. On April 21, 1946, he married the love of his life, Shirlee Schafer. Together, they built a life rooted in family and hard work while raising their three children—Donna Lee, Linda Sue, and Steven James. Side by side, Don and Shirlee expanded their family business, opening the Nu Life Coin-O-Mat Laundry in 1963. After nearly three decades in the laundry industry, the couple sold the Zoric Laundry in 1974, continuing to run the Coin-O-Mat and maintaining a reputation for dedication and integrity in their community. Don's involvement in Fort Collins extended far beyond his business. He served as President of the Fort Collins Downtown Merchants Association and found joy in volunteering at the Fort Collins Senior Center, where he shared his boundless energy and warm spirit. He was also a lifelong member of the Elks Club, embodying their values of charity, brotherhood, and community. An adventurer at heart, Don was among the earliest members of the Sail-N-Saddle Club at Horsetooth Reservoir, joining in 1956. That same year, he purchased a 17-foot wooden Chris-Craft boat, aboard which he and his family created countless cherished memories until he sold it in 1986.

In 1994 Don met his second wife Joan and they were married in October of that year. Don loved boating, camping, and traveling, always finding excitement in exploring the beauty of the world and the company of family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose Barrett; brother, Stanley Barrett; first wife, Shirlee Schafer Barrett; second wife, Joan Nagy Barrett; sons-in-law, Craig Markley, Mike Miller, and granddaughter, Ashley Rose Miller.

He is survived by his three children, Donna Markley, Linda Miller, and Steven Barrett and his wife Lori Giuliano Barrett; three step children, Larry Reck, Valerie Gibson and Diana Pringle; six grandchildren, Wendy, Brent, David, Mark, Marina and Jake; six great-grandchildren, Colby, Malorie, Heidi, Holly, Nick and Barrett; and one great-great-grandchild, Crew—all of whom carry forward his legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith. Don's life will be remembered as one of purpose and compassion—a man who gave selflessly, worked tirelessly, and loved deeply. His influence endures in the family he nurtured and the community he served.

A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors will immediately follow at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Veterans Honoring Veterans, please go to veteranshonoringveterans.org or mail contributions to 1907 S. Custer Ave, Loveland, CO 80537.