Ronald Barrett, age 68, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at St. John's Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Ron was born on January 5, 1953 in Fairfield, Illinois to Tommie and Glenna (Coleman) Barrett. He grew up in Coffeyville where he graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School and attended classes at South Western College in Winfield. Ron was an incredibly talented athlete. During high school while playing basketball, the team made it to compete at the state level on multiple occasions. He was part of Field Kindley's first track team and earned the rank of team captain while running cross country and track. His love of sports continued throughout all his life, he went on to play softball, golf, billiards, horseshoes and also intellectual games such as cribbage, board games, and crossword puzzles. In addition to playing sports he also spent several years coaching youth basketball and little league baseball and for a few years the girls’ junior high basketball team. Ron also enjoyed being a spectator of sports, he was always cheering for his KU basketball, his Pittsburgh Steelers football and his St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
On November 6, 1979 he married the love of his life, Barbara England in Coffeyville, Kansas. The couple made their home in Coffeyville. Ron worked as a pipefitter and master plumber working on power plants throughout the years. He was a hard worker. He always took care of the people around him and had good advice. He was a great cook and his family referred to him as the professional popcorn popper. Ron was generous with his time, spending several years on the Library Board and the VFW Men's Auxiliary.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Barrett of the home; grandchildren, Nichole and Nathan Barrett and their mother, Carlita Wilson; sister-in-law, Betty England; brothers-in-law, Fred and James England; numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Glenna Barrett; his son, Christopher Barrett; brother, Steven Barrett; brothers-in-law, Larry, Gary and Carl England.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Coffeyville. Deacon Charles Durland will officiate. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Coffeyville Public Library; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a message for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com
