Kenneth A. Barkley, 86
August 20, 1934 – July 15, 2021
Kenneth Barkley, 86, of Bath, NY and Zephyrhills, FL, passed away on July 15, 2021 unexpectedly. Ken was born August 20, 1934, the 9th child of Stanley & Esther (Axtell) Barkley and grew up in the area of Bradford and Bath, NY.
Ken was married to Joanne (Hunter) Barkley, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.
You might remember Ken from his high school days as Brick Head Barkley, on the football field at Haverling High School. In later days, he was Bootjack or Satchmo to his friends.
Ken’s love and caring heart never turned away a child in need, which led to him and Joanne fostering over 80 children in 20 years. In the 70’s he was King of The Hill at Corning Bowl, which is where he met his Baby-o. Ken loved playing Euchre for hours with his family. He enjoyed watching the stock market and playing computer games. You could find Ken in the park on Saturdays selling his produce at the Farmers Market. He loved to garden and was proud of his amazing pineapples. After moving to Florida, he earned the title of Pro Shuffleboard Player. He was a member of the Corning & Hammondsport Moose Club, Bath Elks, and Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club.
In his youth, Ken worked on the family sawmill until he was 20. Then he was a mail carrier and worked 35 years at Taylor Wine Company.
In addition to his loving Baby-o, Joanne. Ken is survived by his children Carol (Elwood) Blanc, Kathy Eldred (Bill Baker), Kevin (Cheryl) Barkley, Keith (Mandi) Barkley, William (Rebecca) Burguess, Kimberly Miller, Jody Wright, Kathy Phillips, Florence (Andrew) Dininny, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and over 80 foster children.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his 11 siblings: Mildred, Fred, Flora, Francis, Harriet, Charlotte, Celia, Georgianna, Clyde, Victoria, and Henry, his son George Barkley and grandson Robby Miller.
Per Ken’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.