Frederick Lee Barkley
Of Chelsea, Michigan, age 87, died after a short illness on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born May 14, 1936 in Covington, Indiana, the son of Carl & Mildred (Small) Barkley.
Fred served in the US Navy during the Korean war as a Quarter Master 3 Navigator. He had a lengthy career in public service, culminating in a sixteen-year tenure as Parks & Recreation Director of Washtenaw County, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Michigan University. Fred was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Chelsea Kiwanis in the 70's and 80's, a member of the Caribou Lake Association, a member of Kappa Phi Alpha fraternity at EMU, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Fred was a volunteer handyman for Neighborhood Senior Services for many years. He was an avid coin collector, woodworker, fisherman, boater, golfer, and reader. He enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Caribou Lake, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
of Grass Lake, Michigan, formerly of Plant City, FL and Ann Arbor, MI
Newborn son of Benjamin and Ashley Strait, Ezra Joe was born prematurely at 35 weeks on May 2, 2023 at 9:44 pm. He weighed 3 pounds 3.1 ounces and was 17.84 inches long. He gave us the gift of his life for four days, 14 hours, and 34 minutes. In his brief life, he heard his mommy and daddy sing to him, the sound of his big sister’s voice, passages from the Bible, and experienced the unconditional love of his family. He was baptized and confirmed on May 4, 2023.