Cleo Barkley

Funeral Services for Cleo Barkley, 75, of Baker will be 2:00 p. m. Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at Lakeview Baptist Church, Baker with Pastor Ray Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Bonnievale Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 28, 2006 from 9:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p. m. in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Wednesday until one hour prior to the service at the Church. Cleo passed away Saturday, March 25, 2006 at Holy Rosary Extended Care Center in Miles City. Cleo Jay Barkley was born September 1, 1930 in Baker, the son of Samuel J. and Daisy (Croninger) Barkley. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school at Willard and Baker High School where he graduated in 1948. Cleo was married to Beatrice Elmore on December 3, 1949 in Baker. Together they moved to the Barkley farm, south of Baker where they ranched and raised their family. Cleo and Bea lived their entire life on the ranch which is still operated by their son, Tim. In 1959, the Soil Conservation District named Cleo ?Farmer of the Year?. After Cleo semi-retired from the ranch, he did some long-haul trucking and local hay hauling for area neighbors as well as working in the oilfield. Cleo always loved the farm and having all the children come to visit. He also enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter?s dog, Deuce. In his younger years Cleo enjoyed flying his plane. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, served on the school board, sales barn board and was a member of the Jaycees. Cleo was a true father figure, not only to his family but also his nieces and nephews and always welcomed all to his home. In the fall of 2005, due to failing health, Cleo moved into the Holy Rosary Extended Care Center in Miles City where he remained until the time of his death. Survivors include, his wife, Bea of 56 years; a son Tim (Darla) Barkley, Baker; three daughters: Becky (Alvin) Croy, Baker, Terri (Don) Butcher, Billings and Tammy (Curt) Arnell, Baker; a sister, Lois Zupanik, Baker; ten grandchildren, Clint (Patsy) Croy, Shad (special friend, Stephanie Buerkle), Coleen (Dr. Sean) Russell, Todd (Molly) Barkley, Sandie Barkley, Courtney Barkley, Brannon Butcher, Derek Arnell, Dalton Arnell, Dallas Arnell; and nine great-grandchildren, Travis, Drew, Megan, Meredith, Matthew, Ryan, Seth, Haylee and Sayge. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Eber.


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Burial Date: March 29, 2006
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral: Wednesday, Lakeview Baptist Church, Bake