Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 87, died after a short illness on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born May 14, 1936 in Covington, Indiana, the son of Carl & Mildred (Small) Barkley.
Fred served in the US Navy during the Korean war as a Quarter Master 3 Navigator. He had a lengthy career in public service, culminating in a sixteen-year tenure as Parks & Recreation Director of Washtenaw County, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Michigan University. Fred was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Chelsea Kiwanis in the 70's and 80's, a member of the Caribou Lake Association, a member of Kappa Phi Alpha fraternity at EMU, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Fred was a volunteer handyman for Neighborhood Senior Services for many years. He was an avid coin collector, woodworker, fisherman, boater, golfer, and reader. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Caribou Lake, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
On August 19, 1961, he married Judith Major in Allen Park, and she survives. Other survivors include two children, Patrick (Jeanne) Barkley of Downers Grove, IL, Kelly Barkley of Grass Lake; 3 grandchildren, Trevor (Olivia) Asperger of Grass Lake, Jalen (Courtney Garner) Asperger of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Elliott of Grass Lake; a great-granddaughter, Sophie Jane Layher; a brother, Michael (Brenda) Barkley; a sister, Barbara (Jerry) Styers; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Dale and Charles Barkley.
A celebration of life will be held at Pierce Lake Golf Course at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.
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