Opal and Clinton Barrett's story began when two widowed parents found love and blended their families, raising six children together in Lakeville, Michigan. In 1960, drawing on Clinton's skills as a mechanic and Opal's expertise as a bookkeeper, they founded an insurance agency that would grow into the thriving firm of Hempstead & Barrett after acquiring a local company.
Though neither attended college, Opal and Clinton built their success through determination, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning. Their insurance agency became a true family enterprise, with every member of the household contributing to its growth. Yet even as they built their business, the Barretts understood profoundly that education was the key to opening doors for future generations.
This belief shaped not only how they raised their children and supported their grandchildren's college educations, but also how they engaged with their community. Opal and Clinton were pillars of civic life in Lakeville, actively serving in the Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, and numerous other organizations. They believed in education as a rising tide that lifts all boats—a force that could transform not just their own family, but their entire community.
The Barrett legacy lives on through the values they instilled: the dignity of hard work, the transformative power of education, and the responsibility to serve others. Their foundation continues their vision of ensuring that opportunity and learning remain accessible to all.
Opal and Clinton with their children, L to R: Vicky, Glenna, Mike, Mark, Ginny, and Dennis.
