With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Ronald Alan Barrett. Ron left us far too soon on September 19, 2025, at the age of 59, in Overland Park, Kansas.
Visitation for Ron will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kansas. A eulogy will follow at 10:30 a.m., with a private interment at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum.
Ron was born February 4, 1966 in Kansas City, Kansas, at the original Providence Hospital, to Harold Barrett, Sr. and Sarah Lee Barrett, who preceded him in death.
Ron leaves behind his brothers Harold Barrett (Regina) and Jeff Barrett (Christi) as well as his sisters Elizabeth Woods (Mike), Teri Protzmann and Kathy Wollmuth. His nieces and nephews Jennifer, Sara, Nick, Greg, Erik (Christine), Jessica, Adam and Zack. And his Great Nieces Aaliyah, Lexi, Kennedy, Riley and Bentley. And friends too many to name.
Ron was Baptized at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in 1966 and received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Anthony’s Catholic School, he also attended Holy Family School. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1984 and thereafter attended Donnelly College, then pursued his culinary education at Johnson County Community College, and Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island in Hospitality Management. He was a proud graduate of the first Chef Apprentice program at JCCC.
Ron’s work life began at St. Anthony’s Church and Dairy Queen on 7th Street, later continuing at Subway in Rhode Island. His true calling emerged as a chef in retirement communities and churches across Kansas City, most recently at Village Shalom, The Atriums, Colonial Presbyterian Church, and Meadowbrook Country Club.
To say Ron was loved does not begin to describe the depth of emotion felt by those who knew him. He was kind, tolerant, compassionate, interesting, giving, and truly adorable. Ron was “a delight.” He never met a stranger and was a special friend to many. His curiosity about the world was boundless, and he had a remarkable talent for cooking, baking, floral arrangement and decorating.
Ron was a super fan of live music, stand-up comedy, cinema, plays and shows, and especially loved Las Vegas, Saint Patrick’s Day, Halloween, The Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce, and chocolate martinis. He traveled at every opportunity, with favorite destinations including Las Vegas, Table Rock Lake, Eureka Springs, and most recently New Orleans. He also cherished his time on the East Coast in Rhode Island and Boston.
Ron had an incredible memory for the details of life—his own and those of his loved ones. He could recall what someone wore to an event years ago, his recollections brought joy and laughter to many.
Though Ron did not have children, he adored his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, who felt the same way about him. He was playful, humorous, and the best gift-giver. His cards were legendary—especially the homemade ones filled with glitter, seasonal trinkets, and personalized photos. If you received one, you know. Ron spent countless hours choosing just the right card and then bedazzling them as only Ron could do.