Obituary of Larry Wayne Barkley
From The Durango Herald, September 20, 2012
Ignacio resident Larry Wayne Barkley died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at his home. He was 81.
Mr. Barkley was born to Barney and Gertrude (Heywood) Barkley on April 16, 1931, in Ellensburg, Wash. He grew up and attended schools in Washington state.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Alaska for four years. While there, he met Mary Jeanette "MJ" Ferguson. In 1959, the couple married in Anchorage.
Their son Cory was born in Fairbanks, and then the family moved from Alaska to Nevada. Their next son, Steven, was born in Carson City.
Mr. Barkley drove a truck all his adult life. He worked for special carrier companies for more than 30 years. He took loads all over the United States and enjoyed all the types of "splendorous" scenery, his family said.
"But it was not the views that were interesting," they said. "It was some of the loads. He transported everything from missile parts and a 152-foot metal beam to a New Mexico correctional facility to an entire escorted rig full of damaged money going to Denver to be disposed of."
The Barkleys moved to La Plata County in 1980.
Mr. Barkley recently worked as a gate guard for Redneck Enterprises, keeping livestock in when gas and oil companies were bringing in equipment for well pads to La Plata County ranches.
He was an avid reader of Louis L'Amour novels and enjoyed watching old Western movies.
"He was easygoing, laid-back ... and will be missed," said his son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Rose Barkley.
Mr. Barkley is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Jeanette "MJ" Barkley, of Ignacio; sons Steven Barkley and Cory Barkley, both of Ignacio; brother, Jim Barkley, of the Los Angeles area; a niece; and numerous extended family members.
Cremation will occur. Per Mr. Barkley's request, no services will be held.