John "Barry" Cornett
April 09, 2018
John Barry Cornett, known to most of us as Barry, Dad, Grandpa or “Papa” passed away of natural causes on April 9, 2018. Services will be Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am. There will be a lunch following the service at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway. Graveside service will follow the lunch at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa with military honors.
Barry was born on October 9, 1927 to Nettie Lyle and Ewel B. Cornett in Lexington, KY and moved to Louisville when Barry was three years old. Barry joined the Army after High School and was stationed in Korea. After he was discharged, he earned a degree in Physics at Purdue University. After graduation, Barry went to work for Honeywell and remained there for 32 years.
After taking early retirement, Barry and Judy started their own business, Cornett Training, and traveled the country training Heating and Cooling servicemen. Barry had a very full life and loved his life! He spent many hours in his woodshop building beautiful furniture and cabinets in their home as well as furniture for many family members. He was an avid reader and had a huge collection of books. He also authored four books.
Barry loved collecting pocket knives and guns. He loved target shooting with friends and his Grandson, Nick, and enjoyed hunting trips with his oldest son, Kevin.
Barry dearly loved each of his 12 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. Barry is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Judy; sons, David Cornett (Patti), Steve Sisam (Amy), and daughters, Betsy Kasprzak and Kim Murphy (Bret) and many other family and friends.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ewel, his beloved sons, Kevin and Rob, his nephew, Jeff Deal and his previous wife, Barbara as well as a host of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to T.T.T. Chapter D Des Moines, c/o Judy Cornett, 8337 Colby Parkway, Apt. 434, Urbandale, IA 50322.
Mary Gutierrez
04/17/2018
My sincere condolences to the family. May GOD's word give you comfort. Isaiah 26:19; Rev.21:3-5.
Geri and Dick Babcock
04/17/2018
Judy, I had some great times with you and Barry back in the day. Good memories.You are in our thoughts at this sad time.
Michael McMurry
04/15/2018
This remembrance is in memory of a most interesting man....intelligent, well read, versatile, an entertaining conversationalist and all with a delightful sense of humor. We spent many hours target shooting or enjoying a scotch or glass of wine discussing our respective views of politics, religion, economics and sociology. While our visions did not always coincide, it was certainly a learning experience and always with fun and amusement. Mary Ann and I extend our deepest condolences to Judy and family. Rest in peace, partner.
Janet and Frank Hanson
04/10/2018
Barry was my dear friend Judys husband and best friend. He was such a presence with his intelligence, humor and wit. Barry openly loved his family which unfailingly included all of their children and grandchildren. He adored seeing them, hearing of their accomplishments and knowing they were ok. Frank and I loved the times we had with Barry and Judy and will greatly miss him, but the Barry stories will continue on forever. So glad to have known Barry.