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1955-2026
SALEM -- Thomas Mark Barrett passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. He was born on April 29, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the parents of Thomas J. and Joan D. (Dorn) Barrett. He and his eight brothers moved to Salem, Ohio in 1968 when he was going into eighth grade. He finished his schooling here and graduated from Salem High School in 1973.
Thomas, known to everyone as Mark, was a Registered Sanitarian who worked for the Ohio Department of Agriculture as a food safety inspector. He retired in 2009 after 30 years of service.
He was a member of the Salem Hills Golf Club where he golfed regularly with his friends. Mark was also a 49-year member of the Independent Hose Club, where you would see him in the afternoons enjoying a soda while visiting with other members.
Mark was an avid sports fan. He was a lifelong follower of the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, although his favorite hobby was playing golf. For years, he ran the Thursday Night Copeland Hills Golf League. He was noted to be a great golfer amongst his friends and has even recorded six holes in one. Mark also enjoyed watching his son play sports over the years. He even helped coach Ryan's baseball and soccer teams when he was younger.
He found happiness while spending time with family. The Barrett Family Reunions were always a fun time for him to share stories and laughter with his brothers and their families. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his two precious granddaughters, Tessa and Laci.
You would often find him walking through the backyards to visit with them whenever he saw them playing outside. This was very special to him and always gave him peace and happiness. He also appreciated the opportunities he had to go to all their school and sporting events and watch them show off their skills. Tessa and Laci truly looked forward to seeing "Grandpa" as much as they could. We all know that he will continue to look down and give the girls a "kiss and hug from Grandpa."
Mark will be dearly missed by his son Ryan (Chelsea) and his two granddaughters, Tessa and Laci. He is also survived by all eight of his brothers: Mike (Jane), Terry (Marene), Pat, Steve, Tim (Val), Jon (Julie), Kevin (Pam), and David (Kelly), along with many nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Joan D. (Dorn) Barrett, special aunt, M. Sue Barrett, grandparents, and other family members over the years.
Memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.
If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.
To view Mark's obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
9/15/26