Thomas "Chris" Barrett

Thomas Christopher "Chris" Barrett went home to be with Jesus on March 16, 2025.  He was a resident of Woodland Park, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Claude Barrett and Virginia Hampton Barrett, and his sister, Claudette Barrett Ronning.  He is survived by his beloved partner of 26 years, Sharon Parnell; his brother, Terry Barrett; his children, Christi Ables, Chandra Youngblood, and Josh Duggan; his grandchildren, April Knight, Amy McElroy, Kayden Ables, Blake Arthur, Kylie Arthur, and Josh Duggan, Jr.; and his great grandchildren.  

Chris was born in Batesville, AR on September 8, 1940.  He later moved to Orange, TX where he graduated from Stark High School in 1958.  He attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA for 1 year, but he returned to Batesville due to a death in the family.  There he attended Arkansas College (now Lyon College) and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.  After graduation, he taught high school music in Missouri. Then he moved to St. Louis MO to work for Corporation Trust Company.  Later he moved to Houston TX, where he pursued his talent as a singer with his band in various dinner theatres and restaurants.  He was also a featured performer at The Great Caruso in Houston. 

As that form of entertainment began to wane in popularity, he started his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he worked for 21 years until he retired in 2008.  By that time, and for several years prior, he had been promoted to the position of Congressional Liaison and Casualty Assistance Officer.  As such, he served countless veterans and their families with issues which were not being addressed via the routine channels of the VA.  So many members of our military, their loved ones, and their survivors owe the receipt of their VA benefits to the outstanding efforts Chris put forth on their behalf!   A few years after retirement, Chris and Sharon moved to Woodland Park CO, where they were living out their dreams together in their home, "Moose Glen Manor," until his recent death.

In addition to being a singer and a dedicated servant to our veterans, Chris was a prolific author, poet and songwriter.  A  few of his songs are available on Spotify, and he wrote poems almost daily on his Facebook Page.  They were filled with wit, pathos, humor and often, profound life observations.

Chris loved the Lord and was an active member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston.  After moving to Woodland Park, he attended Highview Baptist Church, where he often sang with the Worship Team.  He even participated with the church softball team, as he was able!

His presence in our lives will be sorely missed and his memory lovingly cherished, until we meet him again in the glory of our God and Savior!

The Celebration of Life Service will be on April 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Highview Baptist Church, 1151 Rampart Range Rd., Woodland Park CO 80863, with light refreshments following at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to The American Cancer Society, Highview Baptist Church, Teller County Regional Animal Shelter or the charity of your choice.

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