Lt. Colonel Paul D. Barkhurst

Lt. Colonel Paul D. Barkhurst, 90, a resident of San Antonio, TX, formerly of Millbrook, AL passed away Thursday, March 27th, 2025. Paul David “PD” Barkhurst was born of Charles and Margaret (Stokes) Barkhurst on March 5, 1935, in Newark, OH, as the second child in a family of five. The passion of his childhood and youth was sports, especially baseball. In 1957, Paul married Betty Jean Walden from Dayton, OH, which he called “the best decision of his life.” After graduating from Ohio State University in 1961, Paul joined the USAF in 1962 as a career officer. As a Missileer, and then a Training Officer, over the next three decades Paul was assigned to bases in California, North Dakota, Nebraska, Alabama, Illinois, and Texas, while having six children and gaining in rank. He retired from Randolph AFB, San Antonio in 1989 and subsequently joined his wife in forming their own Real Estate Appraisal company. During his active years, Paul became a sports official, particularly enjoying officiating basketball, softball and volleyball. PD Barkhurst was a life-long Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was always active in his church as a Reader, Usher and a leader. Paul and Betty retired to Millbrook, Alabama in the mid 1990’s where they were founding members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's Catholic Church. Paul Barkhurst was a loving son, cherished husband, devoted sibling, incorrigible Uncle, beloved father of six and loved grandfather of 18. He was a life-long supporter of Ohio State University and its sports teams, a lover of tea, and a world traveler. PD was generous and benevolent to those in need both inside and outside the family. He focused much of his giving to charities that supported disadvantaged Native American youth. According to his family, he was socially gregarious, an incurable tease, and loved to “bug” his loved ones and be teased in return. Paul Barkhurst was predeceased by his wife, Betty, in 2001, and his brother, Rick Barkhurst (Hilda) in 1992. Paul lost two children in 2021, his daughter, Ardis Barkhurst Hearn (Neal), and his son, Ragan Barkhurst (Heather). He is survived by siblings Barbara (Babs) Bir (Tom, deceased), Marty Weissinger (Roy, deceased), and Judy Bruner (Gene). He is survived by children Marti Barkhurst Martinez (Lawrence) of Pflugerville, TX, Phyllis Dru Barkhurst of Eugene, OR, Paul Barkhurst, Jr. (Beverly) of San Antonio, TX, Charles Barkhurst (Laura), Ramstein AFB, Germany, and grandchildren, Ariel Barkhurst, Thomas Ryan, Lacey Barkhurst, Madeline Hearn, Richard Martinez, David Hearn, Grant Barkhurst, Faith Baker, Carl Martinez, Erin Barkhurst, Sarah Barkhurst, Zoe Barkhurst, Emma Barkhurst, Luke Barkhurst, Paul Barkhurst III, Brady Barkhurst, Lauren Barkhurst and Levi Barkhurst. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 12:00. p.m. at Brookside Memorial Gardens with Father Dean & Father Troncale officiating. Those serving as pallbearers will be William Thomas Ryan III, Richard Anthony Martinez, Carl Anthony Martinez, Paul Dusty Barkhurst III, David Neal Hearn & Paul David Barkhurst, Jr. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL directing.

Lt. Colonel Paul D. Barkhurst

March 27, 2025