John Edward Barrett

John Edward Barrett of Bearden, Arkansas (1947–2025): A Life Well-Lived and Well-Told
Bearden has lost one of its finest craftsmen and most entertaining storytellers with the passing of John Edward Barrett on January 26, 2025. Born on March 12, 1947, to the late John and Nadean Barrett, John spent 77 years proving that a good story and a well-crafted legacy are both built with love, patience, and a healthy sense of humor.
A lifelong resident of Bearden, John was a man of many talents and passions. From 1965 to 1969, he served his country proudly in the United States Air Force as an aviation maintenance man, ensuring that the skies stayed safe. After returning to his beloved hometown, he dedicated many years to the Bearden Volunteer Fire Department, where he brought the same level of care, skill, and commitment to protecting his community as he did to everything else in his life.
John was also a true outdoorsman. There was nothing he couldn’t hunt, fish, or trap. A gifted fur trapper, John’s skills in the wild were as legendary as his stories back home. Whether reeling in the catch of the day or setting a perfect trap, he approached nature with respect and expertise that only deepened his connection to the land he loved.
John’s talents extended beyond the outdoors. He was a craftsman, gardener, and storyteller at heart. Whether working in his woodshop, tending to his garden, or spinning tales that kept his family laughing for hours, he approached life with the kind of joy and passion that was contagious.
He is now reunited with the loved ones who paved the way for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nadean Barrett; his stepmother, Mattie Lou Nalls Barrett, who raised him with boundless love; his sister, Ann Shaddock of Sparkman, Arkansas; and his brother, James Ray Barrett of Bismarck, Arkansas.
John leaves behind a family who adored him: his wife of 55 years, Pat Barrett, who shared his love and laughter through every chapter; his children, John Barrett (and wife Lisa) of Conway and Karen Humphrey (and husband Ken) of Bearden; and seven grandchildren: Tyler Humphrey (and wife Morgan) of Bearden, Baileyann Barrett of Conway, Tiffany Humphrey of Fordyce, Kennith Wayne Humphrey, Madalyn "Izzy" Humphrey, KJ Humphrey, and Logan Grace Humphrey, all of Bearden. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Briggs and Brandt Humphrey, who he thought hung the sun, moon, and stars.
John’s legacy extends far beyond his family, as he was "Pops" to an entire village of kids who grew up loving and learning from him. Whether it was a listening ear, a helping hand, or just a really good story, John’s influence shaped countless young lives, and they will carry his lessons with them always.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Courtyard Nursing Center of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Gentiva Hospice Care for their compassionate care of John in his final days. Their kindness and dedication will always be remembered.
If you would like to honor John’s memory, plant a garden, build something with your hands, share a story that brings joy to others—or spend a day in the woods, casting a line or setting a trap in his honor. He would love nothing more than for his legacy to inspire more laughter, creativity, and connection.
Rest easy, John. Heaven just gained a craftsman, a gardener, a fireman, an aviation maintenance expert, a master outdoorsman, the best storyteller in Arkansas, and "Pops" to a generation who will never forget him. The world is a little brighter for having known you—and quieter without you.
A visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6PM until 8PM at Benton Funeral Home in Bearden. A funeral service will be 2 PM Thursday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce with Rev. Kevin Stevicks officiating. Burial will be at White Oak cemetery in Bearden. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce/Bearden. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .