Wayne M. Barkey, 81, of Wabash, Indiana died at 12:05 am Wednesday July 3, 2024 at Wellbrooke of Wabash. He was born on January 23, 1943 in Plymouth, Indiana to Willis and Verniece (Martin) Barkey.
Wayne was a 1961 graduate of Plymouth High School, received his Bachelor's Degree from Manchester College in 1965, and then obtained his Master's Degree from Michigan State University in physics in 1967. He married Linda Krall in Cerro Gordo, Illinois on June 17, 1967. Wayne taught physics at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia for four years. He and his wife, Linda, moved to Warsaw and worked in his family business for four years before moving to Wabash in the fall of 1975. Wayne enjoyed teaching at Wabash High School for 30 years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of the Wabash Church of the Brethren, and a member of the Wabash Carnegie Public Library Board for 14 years. Wayne was very artistic and creative, and he enjoyed tatting, crocheting, knitting, woodworking, painting, and cooking. He also loved to make clocks and gifts to make occasions more special. He enjoyed music, played the clarinet, and was a self taught organ player who even built three kit organs himself. Wayne was a very caring husband, father, and grandfather. Even through his sickness and pain, he never lost his sense of humor, and made those around him smile.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Linda Barkey of Wabash; two children, Eric (Heather) Barkey of Bridgewater, Virginia and Lisa (Aaron) Height of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two granddaughters, Hailey Height and Lauren Height both of Fort Wayne; as well as other beloved nieces, nephews, and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lowell Barkey, and sister Lucille Snyder.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday July 8, 2024, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 2:00 - 6:00 pm Sunday and 10-11 am Monday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are Parkinson's Foundation or Wabash Church of the Brethren.
The memorial guest book for Wayne may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
