William Robert "Bob" Barkley

William Robert “Bob” Barkley was born November 2, 1925 at the family farm near Baldwin City, KS, and left this life on May 19, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Florence (Davis) Barkley; sisters, Judy Barkley & Lois Houston Hawley; sons, Robert D. & William D. Barkley; and 1 great-grandchild, Parker Marie Olson. Soon after graduating from Williamsburg High School in 1943, Bob joined the US Navy at 17 years of age, serving as a radio operator on a submarine in the Pacific during WWII. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 5901 in Ottawa. He married Josephine Maxwell on June 9, 1946, in Ottawa. She survives of their home after 69 years together. He was a lifelong carpenter and was also employed at Havens Steel in Ottawa as a welder/foreman, retiring in 1988. Other survivors include 6 children; Wanda Andrews of Pomona, Sheryl Baugher & husband Gary of Pomona, JoEllen Waltman & husband Forrest of Baldwin City, David Barkley & wife Ruth of Baldwin City, Don Barkley & partner Paula Morgan of Pomona, and LeaAnn Collins & husband Dwayne of Jasper, AR; 29 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way, and 12 great-great grandchildren. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M., Friday, May 22, 2015, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Private family graveside inurnment will be held at a later date with military honors at Union Cemetery, Centropolis, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions to VFW Post 5901 c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Bob’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.