SigEp is saddened by the passing of former Goodyear Tire CEO Tom Barrett, Kansas State ’53. Barrett earned a degree in chemical engineering at Kansas State, where he joined SigEp’s Kansas Beta chapter.

He went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a lieutenant for two years during the Korean War, using his engineering skills to teach other soldiers about electronics. After his military service, he joined Goodyear as a trainee in one of the company’s tire manufacturing plants and further his studies by obtaining an MBA from MIT. The combination of his business acumen and engineering skills resulted in Barrett being tapped to oversee projects at Goodyear facilities across the country, including Kansas, Ohio, Alabama, Massachusetts and Illinois.

Barrett built a nearly 40-year career with Goodyear that culminated in him heading the company. In 1989, Barrett was named chairman, CEO and president of Goodyear and remained in those roles until he retired in 1991. Post retirement, he remained active in the business community as a director on several corporate boards.

In 1979, the Fraternity honored Barrett’s accomplishments with the SigEp Citation, its highest award for outstanding professional achievement.