George Norman Barritt
George N. Barritt was born in Princeton, Mercer County, Missouri on February 17, 1921 to George and Eldora Neighbors Barritt. The family moved to Fargo, Ellis County, Oklahoma when George was four years of age. He grew up on the Sutter Ranch, where his father was employed as Ranch Foreman.
When George was 15 years of age, the family moved to Longmont Colorado, where George graduated from High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in on September 11, 1940 as an Apprentice Seaman, and was soon assigned to the Battleship West Virginia.
George's ship was in port December 07, 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
His ship was lost and he swam to shore, somehow escaping serious injury during the attack. George was then transferred to the Battleship Salt Lake City, where he served in the Pacific until the end of the war. He received an honorable discharge as a Gunner's Mate Second Class on November 15, 1946 in Norfolk Virginia.
George attended College at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Wilburton, Oklahoma before moving to Woodward, Oklahoma. There he began his lifetime vocation, working as a lineman for the Rural Electric Cooperative.
George married Rotina Williams on July 24, 1948 in Woodward. They moved to Liberal, Kansas in 1955, and to Lamar, Colorado in 1958, where George worked for Southeast Colorado Power Association until his retirement in 1986.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eldora Barritt, his wife, Rotina, brother Clarence, sisters Alice Boland, Adria Gilliland and Olive Hohweiler.
George is survived by several nieces and nephews and friends in the Lamar area as well as those that cared for him at the Holly Nursing Care Center.
Mr. Barritt passed away on November 16, 2009 at the Holly Nursing Care Center in Holly, Colorado at the age of 88.
Graveside Memorial services will be held at the Fargo Cemetery in Fargo, Oklahoma at a later date.
Online Condolences |
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my 'grandfather'. George was the only grandfather I knew. He was the long time partner of my grandmother Mary "Kitty" Smith of Lamar Colorado. I spent every weekend with my grandma and him and every holiday there after as I grew older. My son is named after George and will always hold that namesake with him as a piece of admiration and geniune gratitude for the love George showed me. George and my grandmother are now together as he held her picture with him everywhere he went and would cry and remember her everyday. George, I love you and the kids do as well. Now be at peace with Mary!
Love,
Samantha, Paige, Peighton, and Colin Barritt Lindo |
|---|
Gene worked with George Barritt for Southeast Colorado Power Association and they became good friends. I met George thru Gene. We will miss yu very much Big Bear.
Our deepest sympathies
Gene & Doris Conner |
|---|
To the family of Mr. Barritt,
I grew up in Mayhew Drive and still live here and Mr. Barritt has been a long time member of our neighborhood. He was always out in his yard working hard, with his pipe in his mouth! I was fortunate enough to live across the street from him and talk to him often. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone in this neighborhood! I am sad to hear of his passing! Breaks my heart!
Sincerely,
Tiffany & Sierra Buxton |
|---|