John Curtis Barkes

John Curtis Barkes' birth certificate read: How-de-do, Folks! Here's my name: John Curtis; Here's the date on which I came: August 1st; Here's how much they say I weigh: 7-1/2 pounds; And here's the folks with whom I stay: Glenn and Erna Barkes. That was in 1928 in Springfield, Ohio. John went on to graduate from Springfield High School and attended Wittenberg College before joining the Ohio Bell Telephone Company, where he retired in 1982. Fond memories of those years were spoken of frequently with pride. During that time he married Janice Gravenkemper and they had three children: Curtis (Cathy) Barkes, Carla Barkes and Tom Barkes. Eventually three grandchildren were added. Wife Janice died in 1991. Ranking at the top of John's fond memories was his experience in the Armed Forces from 1950-1952. He served in the Korean War and was proud to serve his country. He had hundreds of interesting stories to share. In 1993 John married Rosemary Goodman-Barkes and acquired two more children: Julie Hummel (R.J.) Reimers and Craig (Stephanie) Goodman; and five grandchildren. He treated them as his own. John enjoyed ushering at the Grove City United Methodist Church and worked there as an Office Assistant in his post-retirement years until his health precluded it. He was lovingly known as "the bulletin man". While employed there, he and wife Rosemary were in the filming of the movie 'Traffic' in downtown Columbus where John was a judge who sat on Michael Douglas' immediate right during production. True to his nature, John was more interested in the mechanics of the shooting than the actors. From that day on, he was known at the church as "The Judge". One of John's long-time interests was music. He played the trumpet in the high school band and later in small bands at Vets Memorial. In his 80s he learned to play the clarinet and joined the church ensemble orchestra, practicing every day. Anyone who has ever known John Curtis Barkes knows he was a man of integrity. Dignity. An uncomplicated man who did not deviate from his basic values. He was honorable, kind, and fiercely loyal to his family and anything else he treasured. He leaves a hole in the hearts of those who loved him.Visitation will be on Saturday, February 14, at the Grove City United Methodist Church (Purple Door Church), from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, followed by a service at Noon for John and a luncheon at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Grove City United Methodist Church: 2650 Columbus Street, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Arrangements have been entrusted to the SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY CHAPEL, 614-875-6333. Please visit www.Schoedinger.com to share a memory of John.