BARKLEY, Paul T. (1932-2022)

BARKLEY

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/1/2022 at 17:59:52

Paul Thomas Barkley
(August 1, 1932 - April 15, 2022)

Memorial services for Paul Thomas Barkley, 89, who passed away Friday, April 15, 2022 in Des Moines, will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at The Norwalk Christian Church in Norwalk, inurnment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, April 22, at the Church.
Paul Thomas Barkley was born August 1st, 1932 in Jasper County, Iowa to Thomas and Josie Barkley. He was the second of five children. The family moved to the Cumming area, outside of Norwalk in 1933 to a farm that is now a Heritage Farm. He attended Norwalk Community Schools and graduated in 1949. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and his social life.
After he graduated at 16, he spent the following summer traveling with his aunt and uncle from Texas to Canada harvesting wheat. They traveled and camped; his aunt cooked for the crew--it was an adventurous experience.
At the age of 18, he started working at Meredith Printing where he was a loyal employee for 44 years. He was inducted into the Army in November of 1952. He honorably served 2 years in the Signal Corp during the Korean Conflict, demonstrating & repairing cameras in Germany and the USA. Paul and Myrna Kirkham married June 13, 1954 after meeting in school a few years before. Myrna joined him in New Jersey while he finished his service. Paul was honorably discharged November 20th, 1954. Paul returned to his work at Meredith Printing and retired after 44 years.
Paul became a member of the Masonic Lodge, following in his father's footsteps, in 1956. He enjoyed the fellowship and remained active for 66 years. For the last 10 years, the Lodge has used Paul's red pickup truck in the Norwalk 4th of July Parade.
Paul and Myrna started their family by first having a son, David Paul, and then their daughter, Marlene Kay. As the kids grew, Paul became active in their activities, coaching baseball and softball. Paul served on the Norwalk City Council for 20 years, starting in 1963. He served as a councilman and mayor pro tem.
From growing up on the farm, Paul always enjoyed working in the soil--planting, mowing and gardening. He was also very generous with the fruits of his labor, enjoyed by many. One of his most enjoyable hobbies was driving the tractors, mowing the pastures. He has always enjoyed farming. Paul was a go-to-fix-it guy and was always willing to help others. He loved to share his knowledge on gardening and handy work.
After retirement, his friends, the Kinzer's, asked him to deliver signs for their company, Eagle Sign Co, across the country. He and Myrna enjoyed traveling to many states.
There were many good times with family, including graduations, family reunions, weddings and grandchildren. He always enjoyed his grandchildren and even let them style his hair. Each grandchild and great grandchild are very special to him. He rarely missed their many activities including soccer games, dance recitals, softball games, and basketball games. His grandchildren loved having him in the stands watching them perform.
Paul and Myrna enjoyed many vacations driving across the country. Some of their most favorite trips have been visiting family in Idaho, Florida & California, sightseeing on the East Coast, some trips to Canada and a very enjoyable vacation to Hawaii.
Paul's family were faithful members of the Norwalk Christian Church, him being baptized and an active member throughout his life, being the fifth generation of his family. He served as a trustee, did a lot of mowing and enjoying the fellowship of the church.
Paul was married 67 years to his wife, Myrna who cared for him lovingly and selflessly until the end.
Paul is survived by his wife, Myrna; children David Paul (Donna) Barkley, Riverview, Florida; Marlene (Mike) Cox, Cumming, Iowa; grandchildren John (Mandi) Barkley, Tracy Noyes, Ryan (Maheen) Barkley, Emily Cox, Erica (Corey) Lineberry & Megan (Matt) Hand; great grandchildren Justis Noyes, Janie Noyes, Dylan Barkley, Luna Barkley, Nova Barkley, & Eliza Lineberry; sister, Vivian Essick; brother-in-law, Jake Benge; sister-in-law, Carol Barkley; and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Josie Barkley; brothers, Lowell & John Barkley; sister, Margaret Benge.
The family would like to thank the Nurses in North 4th Floor at Iowa Methodist Hospital for their extraordinary care and love for Paul.
In lieu of flowers those who wish to honor his life can give to the Norwalk Christian Church or Norwalk Fire/Ems in his name. This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/