Max Eugene Barkley was born in Winona, Missouri on May 16, 1930, the son of John William Barkley and Esther Olive Barkley. He passed away in his home in Winona, Missouri with his daughters by his side on October 29, 2020, at the age of 90.
Max graduated from Winona High School in 1948. After graduating, he served his country, in the Army, worked briefly in Oregon as a logger with his cousin and family who lived there. On November 7, 1953, he married Lola Jean Fansler and to this union, five children were born: Larry, Max, Jr., Dana, Nolan “Tony”, and Margaret.
Max is preceded in death by his wife Lola; his parents, J.W. and Esther Barkley; his siblings, Lillian Barkley, Billy Barkley, Don Barkley, Larry Barkley, and Norrine Norris; infant son, Larry; grandson, Nolan Anatone “T.J.” Barkley, Jr.; great-grandson, Bray Barkley; and son-in-law Michael Reese.
Max is survived by his sisters Jennie Barkley Prewett of Winona and Shannon Goldberg of Draper, UT, and sister-in-law, Marguerite Barkley of Nixa, Mo. He is survived by his son Max E. Barkley, Jr. and wife, Rita of Scottsboro, AL; daughter, Dana K. Reese of Mountain View, MO; son Nolan Anatone “Tony” Barkley, Sr. and wife, Gina of Winona, MO; daughter, Margaret McAfee and husband, Troy of Winona, MO. He is survived by grandchildren, Amber (Russ) O’Rear and family of Harvest, AL, Ashley (Edward) Pettyjohn and family of Henegar, AL, Laura Jo (Jimmy) Massa and family of Greenwood, AR, Justin (Jana) Barkley and family of Crossville, AL, Stephanie Reese and family of Mountain View, MO; Andria Barkley and family of Winona, MO, Emily (Michael) Snyder and family of Winona, MO, and Tori McAfee of Winona, MO. He is also survived by 25 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Max earned a living as a livestock dealer, raised livestock of all kinds, and was an auctioneer. He began as an auctioneer and livestock dealer with his dad in his twenties. His auction career lasted for over 50 years. He auctioned for hire and volunteered his auction services by doing multiple benefits to help those in need and fund-raisers of all kinds. His last benefit auction was for the NWTF in 2015 at the age of 85. He has sold everything from a sequined prom dress, antiques and collectibles, livestock, and real estate of all types. Max loved people and prided himself in knowing and being able to tell his family’s life history and everyone else’s in the county. He was the family’s and community’s go to person if a question arose as to who someone’s family history or family lineage was.
Max did his civic duty by being a member and leader on various boards and committees in Shannon County. These included the grand jury, Winona R-III School Board, Shannon County Ambulance District, and the Shannon County Farm Bureau.
Most recently Max attended the New Testament Church of Jesus Christ in Winona, Missouri, and claimed this as his church. He enjoyed the special singings held monthly, Christmas Programs, and any event at church that involved food. He was sure to make special donations for the Christmas treat, Christmas dinners, Easter donuts and coffee, and the baptismal dinners. He proudly participated and took his role serious in the Christmas program called “There’s a New Kid in Town”, playing the old man giving directions.
“A message from the family.”
Mom and Dad will be greatly missed. They both helped 3 generations of children with school projects, ranging from the elementary level to the college level. Dad helped with remembering and reciting classic poetry, both helped with writing English papers, reading books and then helping with a book report all as late as April 2020. Dad could still diagnose and give a treatment plan for a sick cow or calf upon request via telephone. Dad was our Fox News go to person. He knew current events and kept us informed on how to vote in the upcoming elections. They both were our advisors, only a phone call away.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2020, at Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri with Pastor Lee Bud Price, Pastor Troy McAfee, and Mark Barkley officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 6-8:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Pine Lawn Cemetery, Winona, Missouri. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
