Fortified by the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Thomas E Barrett Jr, of Alton, IL, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2026.
Thomas was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 25, 1937, the son of Thomas E. Barrett Sr. and Mary Susan (nee Stefanko).
He grew up in downtown St. Louis and graduated from Madison Grade School and McKinley High School. He had a paper route of 300 customers selling the Globe Democrat, was a knot holder with the St. Louis Browns, and sold soda at St. Louis Sportsman’s Park. He took violin lessons, played the trombone, and was in a Dance Band in high school. He attended both Harris Teachers College and Washington University. In May 1960, he married Patricia Voracek and had 4 children, Deborah Ann, Thomas E. III, Charles Patrick, and James Michael.
Immediately after high school, he began work at Famous Barr where he held many positions, ultimately retiring as Divisional Vice President and Store Manager of the Northland store in May 1994.
In August 1970, he married Joyce (Jo) Ann Klaus, who he met at the Southtown Famous Barr. They moved to Alton in August 1978 when he was promoted to open the new Famous Barr store in October. They joined Lockhaven Country Club in 1987. He enjoyed playing cork ball, bowling, tennis, and golf and traveling to Europe and the States.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughter, Deborah (Brian Hill), sons, Thomas (Kathy), Charles (Christine), James (Greg), sister Jacquelyn Hicks and sister-in-law Kathy Barrett. He has nine grandchildren, Jason (Deana) Ruelas, Sarah (Ethan) Adler, Lia Barrett, Katie (Conner) Madere, Lily, Grace, and Katie Barrett; Jordan (Frank) Konsewicz, and Josh Hill, and six great-grandchildren, Lexi, Ben, and Charlie Ruelas, Ren and Eli Adler, and Reese Barrett.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael, and first wife.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Alton, Il.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IL. Https://pushpay.com/g/stmarysalton
Funeral Services are Pending.