Barbara Ann Burt (McDonald)
July 16, 1945 — November 1, 2021
Laon-Verdun High School, France '63
Barbara McDonald Burt passed away on November 1, 2021, in Tyler, Texas, at the age of 76. Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Barbara lived a life of service, working for many years in medical offices and serving as a reserve police officer in Big Spring, Texas. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan who carried her love for travel throughout her life.
Barbara attended Laon-Verdun High School in France, graduating with the Class of 1963. She deeply valued the friendships she maintained over the years and found great joy in reconnecting with fellow "French" alumni. She is fondly remembered by classmates for her warmth and her enthusiasm for our shared overseas history.
A dedicated member of the Overseas Brats community since 2002, Barbara’s presence at gatherings and activities remained a cherished part of our story.
Full obituary and expressions of sympathy may be shared at: Barbara Burt Obituary - Beaty Funeral Home
A Personal Remembrance
My dear friend, and a dear friend to many Overseas Brats, Barbara Ann McDonald Burt passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 1, 2021. As much as we wished to keep her here with us, she is now free from pain.
Barbara loved, LOVED Overseas Brats. She rarely missed a gathering or a Homecoming. She often said, “I have always loved the Air Force. They gave me an education to be envied. I have lived all over the world and made so many friends. You never leave old friends; you just make new ones to add to the list.”
Barbara made a difference in my life, and perhaps in yours as well. Her friendship and love will live on in our hearts.
—Barbara Bartlett
In Her Own Words
I was born on July 16, 1945. My father was in the desert at White Sands watching the atomic bomb test, and I was three days old before he knew I was here. We lived in Ardmore, Oklahoma, while Daddy was in New Mexico and then moved to Oklahoma City while he did further training at Tinker Air Force Base there.
At age two we moved to Spokane, Washington. When Daddy was sent to Yokota AFB, Japan, Mother and I returned to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where her parents lived until it was time for us to join him. My sister was born in 1948 while we were there. Then we went to Japan before later moving to Edwards AFB, California, where my little brother Billy was born. In 1955 we returned to Texas when Daddy was stationed at Perrin AFB in Denison, where my baby brother Bobby was born.
In 1957 we were sent to Laon AFB, France. While there, we attended Verdun American School as boarding students because the highest grade at Laon was eighth grade. I have known some of my Overseas Brats since that time—I was 14 then—namely Dan Sontchi and Rusty Henning.
From France we returned to the United States and were stationed at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas, where I graduated after my junior year and went on to Arkansas State College.
I later moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, married in 1967, and moved to Richardson, Texas. In 1976 I moved to Big Spring, Texas, and in 1987 to Winnsboro, Texas, where my grandparents had lived. In 1999 I moved to Dallas and remained there until 2012, when I returned to Winnsboro.
I have always loved the Air Force. They gave me an education to be envied. I have lived all over the world and made so many, many friends.
You never leave old friends—you just make new ones to add to the list.
Photos and Memories
