Howard Calvin Barkey
Howard Calvin Barkey was born June 12, 1954, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Howard Dean and Mary Lou (Waugaman) Barkey. He died on Sunday, October 29, 2023, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 69 years, 4 months and 17 days.
Howard grew up in Gary, graduating from Calumet High School, Class of 1972. Howard was never a stranger to hard work. His career included working on a dairy farm, carpentry work and working at a church camp. It was while working at the church camp that he met his future bride, Melinda Kay Boyd. On June 26, 1976, he and Melinda were united in marriage in Wanatua, Indiana. From this union were born four children, Krista, Ryan, Adam, and Sarah.
Howard and his family moved to Oklahoma in 1995, settling in Sulphur in 2013. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Often, Howard could be found at his favorite fishing spot near the Guy Sandy boat dock. The many friends he made while fishing, frequently made sure if they got to the dock first, his spot was saved for him.
As the family mourns the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather, they give thanks to someone who selflessly donated a kidney that allowed Howard 24+ years to be with them. This selfless act afforded him the opportunity to experience his four children finding their soulmates; witnessing the birth of his seven grandchildren; many more hunting and fishing trips; see two of his grandchildren get married; watch a few more National Championships for Ohio State; the Steelers play a couple Super Bowl games; and the Cubs to finally break the curse. For these milestones, the family is eternally grateful, and encourages others to be organ donors.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Melinda; four children, Krista Watkins and fiancé Brian of Union Mill, IN, Ryan Barkey and wife Teresa of Lawton, Adam Barkey and wife Bethany of Clever, MO, and Sarah Stewart and husband Cris of Sulphur; seven grandchildren, Brandon Watkins and wife Sarah, Whitney Smith and husband Tristen, Colin Barkey, Landri Stewart, Madden Stewart, Ruby Barkey, and Zeke Barkey; three sisters, Terry Matusak, Cindy Barkey and Sherry Vichek. Howard was patiently awaiting the birth of his first great-grandchild, Jasper.
Services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at Hale’s Memorial Chapel, in Sulphur.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the American Kidney Fund.
Services are entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Sulphur.
Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.