Carl Wayne Barkley

After a long illness, Carl Barkley passed from this life on February 19, 2023 and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Educator and businessman, Carl lived a busy life that touched many. He was loved by his family, students, and many acquaintances. Carl was born in Paden, Oklahoma on May 17, 1941. In 1946, his parents, Orville and Ruby Barkley, moved the family to the Visalia area where he lived for many years. After a career fd teaching elementary school and briefly owning a business, he retired and relocated to Van Buren, Arkansas to be near his brother, Bill, and his family. The last eight years he has lived in Visalia. He was predeceased by his parents Orville and Ruby Barkley and his two sisters, Joy Moore and Helen Lutrell. He is survived by his two brothers- Bill Barkley and his wife Jean and their family as well as Jerry Barkley and his wife Laurie and his family- and his sister, Betty Bell and her family. He also survived by Jane Barkley and her sons, whom he called "the light of his life," Randall Levensaler and Kurt Levensaler and his family. Carl was educated at Redwood High School, graduating in 1959. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Fresno State College, his teaching credential from Fresno State University, and his Master of Arts in Education from Fresno Pacific University. Mr. Barkley taught at The Harker School in the Bay Area, at Sundale Elementary in Tulare for four years and at Snowden Elementary School in Farmersville for twenty-five years. Being fluent in Spanish, Carl delighted in transitioning students ne to English. He could also be seen nearly every noon recess refereeing the tetherball courts. He was privileged to teach at the same school and in the same classroom where he had attended as a student when his family first moved the area. Carl was also an avid walker, recording every step daily. To challenge himself and to track his progress, he counted steps for a virtual walk around the circumference of the earth (24,855 miles) and competed in virtual races with others online. The most important guiding principle in Carl's life was his faith in God. He was active in the church music department and participated in many musicals. At home, he was seen nearly daily with his Bible, gleanings its truths. Studying prophecy was his passion. Carl will be sorely missed by his family and by many others whom his life touched. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Carl Wayne Barkley

May 17, 1941 - February 19, 2023