David D. Barrett (Dave), 75, of Coral Springs and Bushnell, FL passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Dave was born on February 20, 1939 in Middletown, OH to Douglas and Dorothy "Gerry" Barrett.

Dave joined the United States Army in 1956 believing he would be stationed in Kentucky. The military had very different plans for Dave. Upon completion of basic training, at the tender age of 17, he found himself in Korea where he served with the Military Police. Dave was transferred to Japan as an MP and was selected to serve as an extra in the film "Sayonara" playing the role of an MP. He returned to Middletown in 1959. It was at this time that he met and fell in love with his beloved Thea. They began a family in Ohio and later relocated to Japan where Dave moved up the ranks with the Army Counterintelligence Corps. Upon discharge, Dave and Thea moved to Cleveland where they both began working as civilians. Dave proudly served over 12 years with the military during both the Korean War and Vietnam Conflict.

Having a police background, Dave eventually achieved the rank of Chief of Police for Warrensville Township and was later instrumental in organizing the first undercover narcotic agencies in Ohio. After spending some time in Lima, OH, the family relocated to Coral Springs, FL in 1977 where Dave was the Director of Training for N.I.A. In 1982, he left to begin his own business, T.S.S., which has provided training to 1000's of law enforcement and military personnel over the years. In the interim, the Barretts also inherited a second home in Bushnell, FL from Dave's aunt. It was Dave's favorite place to visit. In more recent years, Dave joined the V.F.W. where he was a life member; the Korean War Veterans, and numerous other military and police organizations.

Dave never knew a stranger, and was a very giving and generous man. It brought him such pleasure to help those less fortunate, and he often surprised young couples while he was out for dinner by paying their tab. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Thea; their daughters, Lisa (Rob) Klitz, Karen Maselli, and Laurie (George "Butch") Wiggins; and grandchildren, Robert, Micheal, Joseph, Lauren, Ryan, and Shelby.

Friends may call on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Coral Springs Funeral Home, 1420 N. University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071. Dave will be laid to rest on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Foundation: nleomf.org Tip of the Spear Foundation: totsf.org Red Circle Foundation: redcirclefoundation.org