Vernon Hewett Barkley passed away on June 14, 2017 in Twin Falls, Idaho at the age of 89. Vernon was born February 27, 1928 in Deadwood, Texas to Albert and Mae Eller Barkley. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy to serve his country and learned the welding trade which later became his civilian line of work. Vernon was considered an Atomic Veteran due to nuclear testing in the area where he served after WWII. During the time of his military service he met the love of his life, JoAnn Phillips. They married on December 27, 1949 in Yuma, AZ and together they raised three children; Sandra Darlene, Michael Charles and Rebecca Jeannette.
In 1955, Vernon received his highest calling, to be a soldier of Jesus Christ. Vernon believed whole-heartedly in the gospel of Acts 2:38 and shared the message of salvation and baptism in Jesus name with everyone he met. He started three Apostolic churches and pastored four others in both California and Idaho. Vernon was a patriot of the Gospel and served God faithfully in this endeavor for 62 years. He fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith and now another soldier has gone home.
Vernon is survived by his two daughters, Sandra (Sherman) LaFleur of Kinder, LA; Rebecca (John) Picklesimer of Twin Falls; grandchildren, Brian (Rexann) LaFleur of Twin Falls; Daryn Picklesimer of Imperial Beach, CA; Sondra (Seth) Collins of Twin Falls and six great grandchildren Tyler, Brett and Gentry LaFleur and Mayci, Jack and Molly Collins all of Twin Falls. While once separated in death from his beautiful wife "Jo" and their sweet little boy Michael, they are now together again.
The funeral will be held at Bethel Temple Apostolic Church in Twin Falls on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. A separate burial will take place on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, CA. Services are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls.