John Barnett

Cooper Barnett was born on March 11, 1959 to Thomas C. Barnett and JoAnn Straley in Carrizozo, New Mexico. He lived an eclectic life in Ruidoso, California, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas in his later years. Cooper passed at home in Ruidoso, New Mexico on September 22, 2013 with loved ones who held him and kissed him until he exhaled his last breath. Cooper passed peacefully after a valiant fight against cancer. He joins in heaven, his loving and dedicated sister and brotherin law, Gail and Alan Campbell, among many others.

Cooper lived a life full of adventure and tackled some of lifes most difficult challenges. He shared his experiences with his family and friends, and he had the good fortune to have great women in his life. His greatest accomplishments were his children and grand child, Ethan C. Barnett and Grace Emily Crawford, who along with granddaughter Nora, will forever be changed. These beautiful children remember their Dad as the life of the party as well as a loving, gentle, encouraging, and steadfast man. It was also important to Cooper, that they learn from his mistakes.

Cooper was a whirlwind. He took on a business, as a restaurateur, with his father and stepmother, Tom and Rita in Bradenton, Florida. He later went on to complete a degree in Culinary Arts. Cooper showcased his talents at many of Floridas and New Mexicos toprated restaurants. Ultimately, along with his mother JoAnn Barnett, of Carrizozo and Ruidoso, Cooper became the owner and Chef of Casa del Cocinero Bed and Breakfast in Alto, New Mexico. Cooper had a great passion for cooking and shared his talents with many who sat at his table. Cooper was also the owner and Chef of The Mansion in Bandera Bed and Breakfast in Texas and went on to be the coowner of a heating, venting and cooling business in San Antonio.

He could disappoint me, he could make me mad, but he always came back around to show what a good person he was, I always knew it was in there. Overall he was my brother, says his loyal brother Scott Barnett of New York, New York.

Cooper was, at times in his life, an addict and struggled a great deal with this pain. Those who loved him most were also broken by the addiction. Cooper found salvation in his work as a Prayer Minister at Oak Hills Church. Cooper blossomed at The Center for Heath Care Services as a Recovery Support Specialist. In his position Cooper shared his experiences, strength and Hope, with those suffering from the disease of addiction. His effect on others was immeasurable.

On September 8, 2012, Cooper set out on a pilgrimage in Europe that followed the route of the apostle Saint James. He traveled The Way by foot. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable, Romans 11:19.

Cooper had a nephew, Shane Barnett from Alto, New Mexico that he spent a lot of time with and often took fishing and out to breakfast, where they connected on their own level. I am his niece, Crystal Campbell. I was honored to have our relationship come full circle, during the last year of his life. I was blessed to see the beauty of his soul. He welcomed me into his life and all of his experiences, good and bad. Cooper taught me that through acknowledgement and peace one can make amends and peace with oneself and those around them. Cooper was humbled by his hardships in life and was able to see the beauty that lies beneath the pain. He was brave in his fight and faced his mortality with the grace of God.

During his last years, Cooper was on a mission from God as he professed his faith, vocally and physically, by enduring the, sometimes overwhelming, tribulations of his trials. He approached his end with a foreknowledge of the peace offered to him by his Lord, and Savior and he readily engaged anyone interested in being a party to the witness of unconditional forgiveness, and the power of the blessing, provided through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.