Richard Joe Barkley

Richard Joe Barkley, 84, of Manns Choice, Pa., passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022.

He was born in Cumberland, Md., on Aug. 10, 1938, the son of the late George and Marian (Hillegass) Barkley.

On Dec. 20, 1963, he married Joyce Shaffer, and they were married for almost 59 years. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his son, Brian Barkley, and friend, Barb Falvey; his daughter, Beth, wife of Mark Schwanekamp; granddaughters, Meghan, Kayla and Heidi Barkley; and grandson, Cooper Schwanekamp.

Richard was a lifelong member of Buffalo Mills United Methodist Church, during which time he was a Sunday school teacher and the church treasurer for 48 years. After graduating from Penn State, he taught Agriculture at Bedford High School for 32 years, and was a member of the following organizations: PA Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, PA State Education Association (PSEA), National Education Association (NEA), and PA Association of School Retirees (PASR). He was also on the Bedford Grange Mutual Board of Directors.

He was involved with the Bedford County Fair for 60 years, thirty of which he served as Fair Director. Richard was an advocate for the development of agriculture, and his involvement stemmed from his dedication and passion for the agricultural side of the fair.

Richard was an avid sports fan, and loved watching the Nittany Lions, the Pirates, and the Steelers. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors, but farming was always his first love.

Richard walked each day in faith, and will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, family man, teacher, mentor and friend.

A visitation will be held Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Buffalo Mills United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Buffalo Mills United Methodist Church with Pastor Kendra Balliet and Pastor James Golla officiating. Interment will be at Milligans Cove Cemetery, Buffalo Mills, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Richard Joe Barkley to Bedford Country Fair, P.O. Box 244, Bedford, PA. 15522.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg, Pa.

Richard’s family would like to give a very special thanks to the wonderful team from Grane Hospice Care: Amanda, Tammy, Tammy, Ruth, and Kelly.