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 , sister-in-law Sharon Meoli (Michael), 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
SERVICES: Visitation on KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Monday, January 19, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment at St. Paul Churchyard Cemetery.
Dearest Family, we were heartbroken hearing that Tom had passed away. He was always so kind&fun to be around Prayers&Peace to all! Love, Joey,Chris Stefanko and family. A Life well lived never dies it just keeps on giving!
It is with great sadness and deep emotion that we would like to express our condolences to you, dear Joyce, and to the whole family. With Tom’s death, which was so completely unexpected for us, we also lose an extraordinarily valuable person — one of our best friends. We were able to share many beautiful experiences with him and you, dear Joyce. Sincere, life affirming and loving, that’s how we got to know Tom and that’s how we will remember him fondly. We deeply regret that we will not be able to attend the funeral service due to our age and the great distance and thus cannot pay our last respects to Tom in person, but in our thoughts we will be with him and you.
With silent warm greetings
Ursula and Klaus
Very saddened to hear of Mr. Barrett’s passing. He was very instrumental in my career. He saw potential in me that I did not know existed. He promoted me to the HR Manager position at Famous. With that my career took off. I have often thought of him and Jo . I moved to Seattle never forgetting his influence on my life. He was a great man. Even under the pressure of managing Famous Alton Sq. He remained kind, supportive, and maintained his sense of humor. So to Tom, thank you.