Thomas Roston Barrett III

Heaven got a great one back on December 19, 2025, with the passing of Thomas "Tom" Roston Barrett III. He passed peacefully at his home in Colorado on 12/19/2025. Tom’s infectious laughter and ability to understand people brought joy and comfort to everyone around him.

Tom was born on July 15, 1945. He was raised in the southern West Virginia coal fields. He was very proud of his mining heritage stemming from both sides of the family. His parents, Thomas Roston Barrett II and Phyllis Mae Isherwood Barrett, proceeded him in death in their early years. In Tom’s life he was a loving husband to Sharon (“Sherry”) for 65 years, devoted father to Ross (Thomas Roston Barrett IV), his wife Tara, Brookanne, and her husband Steven. He was also an incredible brother to Cecelia Ann Barrett Zanotti, and a best friend to many. His grandchildren will always be his whole heart. Thomas (TRB the 5th), Trey Cooper, and Barrett Elizabeth were his joy and pride.

Tom graduated from Morgantown High School in 1963 and married Sharon in 1966. He attended West Virginia University until 1967 when he enlisted in the Army. After serving in Thailand during the Vietnam campaign, he completed his service in Maryland, then returned to WVU in 1969 to complete his degree in business. His early career included transportation and manufacturing, but he landed back in the mining industry where he remained for the balance of his career, retiring in 2004 as Director of Human Resources for a major mining company. His retirement years focused on family and serving the needs of others. He cherished friendships, helped wherever he could, and was always grateful for what life provided him.

Tom was indeed dedicated to others, West Virginia, his country, coal miners, and doing the right thing. The line between friends and family was often blurred in the Barrett household. Never wanting the focus on himself, he was most content when everyone around him was happy and thriving. A consistent worrier, he left the legacy of yellow pad to-do lists, putting others in front of himself, and celebrating the small wins of life. After all, “99% of concerns are figureout-able.” He was the first person to support a friend and lift a chin, get popcorn at the movies, check that there was enough firewood at his cabin for guests, and/or always made sure those closest to him had the right tool for everything… physically and mentally.

Whether he was laughing with others, hosting family holidays, prioritizing Friday night dinner with friends (at Wings ‘Ole in Morgantown whenever possible), tailgating at college football games (WVU and CU) with the “kids” now 50+ years old, looking forward to lake vacations, or going to car shows, you could always count on him to find the good in everyone and everything.

Tom’s celebration of Life ceremony will take place on March 14, 2026, in Colorado. Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of a photo of a favorite time with Tom. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary (helping the families and children of WV coal miners) or Barrett’s Buddies (his granddaughter’s community support charity helping Colorado pets in need). Both organizations are very small but have a big reach locally. Any amount goes far and assists with causes Tom cared deeply about. In addition, Tom’s family will support his love for “big Christmas memories” by bringing joy to kids of any economic background through annual donations to Colorado children during the holidays.