Fallen Hero: Retired Master Sergeant David Alton Barrentine

Crystal Springs, MS

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Funeral Home

Stringer Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero.  Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on January 23, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Retired Master Sergeant David Alton Barrentine, age 74, Crystal Springs, MS, who had served in the 162nd Military Police Company and HQ, STARC has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord. Barrentine had worked fulltime at the USPFO and within the AGO G1.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

David Alton Barrentine, born December 21, 1950 in Hazlehurst, passed away on January 23, 2026. He was the youngest son of Jim and Christine Barrentine.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Barrentine; his sons, Shane Barrentine and Chris Barrentine (Rebecca); grandchildren Blake Dunaway, Andrew Barrentine, Madelyn Barrentine, and Ellie Barrentine; great-grandson Brooks Dunaway; and his brother, Jimmy Barrentine (Joan) and many nieces and nephews, including a special bond with niece Jenifer Cox.

David proudly served 32 years in the military and, following his retirement, continued his service through a second career with the Mississippi State Crime Lab. He was a master woodworker who found great joy in creating beautiful creations and giving them away.

David came to know the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs, where he actively supported his wife in her missions and ministry work. The greatest joy of his life was time spent with Betty, their children, and their grandchildren. He was a truly good man—a man of integrity at every level.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, at 11:00 a.m.
Both services will take place at Stringer Funeral Home in Crystal Springs.