Austin American-Statesman - April 22, 2008

John Ronald (Ron) Barnett, 68, died peacefully at his home on April 19, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ron was born on February 21, 1940 in Midland, Texas. His childhood was spent in Andrews, Borger and Amarillo, where he graduated from high school. Ron played basketball for Cisco Junior College before transferring and graduating from Texas Tech University in 1964 with a BS in Petroleum Engineering.

Ron then embarked on a 34 year career with Amoco Oil Company. He started in the Slaughter area and held increasingly responsible positions in the Fort Worth Division, Tulsa and Chicago before returning to the Houston Region Office in 1974. After serving as Regional Engineering Manager from 1978 to 1980, Ron became Manager of Enhanced Oil Recovery. In 1981, he was named a Division Production Manager within the Houston Region and served in that capacity until 1986 when he became Manager of Production Research at the Amoco Research Center in Tulsa. In 1991, Ron was appointed Vice President of the South Permian Basin Business Unit and held that position until he moved to his final assignment as Manager of Emergency Prevention and Response in 1993. In this position, he traveled the globe planning and implementing safety drills at Amoco production sites in Europe, the Middle East and Indonesia. He retired from his career in 1998.

During Ron’s career, he was involved in numerous industry wide activities. He served as Chairman of API’s Executive Committee for Standardization of Oil Field Equipment and Chairman of the US Technical Advisory Group to ISO TC67, the International Standards Organization. He also served on the Petroleum Industry Advisory Board for Texas Tech University and was elected to the Academy of Petroleum Engineers in 1996. Ron Achieved international admiration and recognition for his accomplishments and activities.

Upon retirement, Ron realized a lifelong dream of establishing Coyote Creek Ranch in New Ulm, Texas. Ron and his wife, Sue, raised, bred, trained and sold Quarter horses. Many of their horses placed or won in cutting, reining and roping competitions. Ron took great pride in the ranch and enjoyed all aspects of the horse business.

Ron is survived by his wife of 14 years, Sue West Barnett, of New Ulm; two daughters, Mitzi Barnett Miller (Stuart) and Melanie Barnett Henriksen (Kevin) of Little Rock, Arkansas; and a stepson, Greg West (Robyn) of Cypress. Six grandchildren: Hayden and Madison Miller, Jessica Henriksen, Graiden, Landon and Tanner West. Also a sister, Darlene Barnett Archer (Wayne), and his mother Rita Phillips, of Scurry, Texas. Ron also has numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Coy Owen Barnett.

Ron’s sense of humor and love of practical jokes will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He was a true genius and could design and build anything. He loved to stump his grandkids with brain teasers and was a patient and loving grandfather.

We know by his belief in Christ, that Ron is now with the Lord, his savior, with a new and perfect body. We will see him again one day.