Brian Evan Barkley

BRIAN EVAN BARKLEY
May 3, 1943 – March 3, 2018

Brian Barkley was passionate about life! He was loving, generous and loyal to everyone around him. He loved the Lord and followed His teachings faithfully. He was a long time member of Colonial Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon for several years.

Brian was born and raised in Milan, Missouri and loved his hometown his entire life. He was an avid HS football player (Go Wildcats!) and was proud of his team for winning the conference championship. He always enjoyed getting together with his old Milan buddies.

After high school, he received a BS from Truman State University where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He served our country in the USAF after graduation. His first job in KC was at Hallmark Cards, where he met his wife, Marilyn. Later, he worked at Calvin Communications, where he learned the film business.

All his life, Brian was a risk taker – he approached life with confidence. He moved his young family to California in 1975 – with no prospect of a job. But he was certain it would all work out, and it did. He worked for Universal Studios on many TV productions for years. In California, he began his own independent film company, New Liberty Videos, which he continued after moving back to KC.

Brian followed his faith and beliefs in his film work, carefully choosing his topics. His movies highlighted his passions and interests and always had a strong Christian message. They made a lasting impression on those who viewed them. He received national awards recognizing many of his films.

He had definite feelings about most everything – his faith and religious choices, politics, cars, furniture, travels – you name it, and he had an opinion, usually a strong one. Discussions were always lively when Brian was around. And he was a jokester – loved to laugh and tell jokes, even corny ones!

Brian was a health enthusiast. He was an avid runner and was committed to healthy eating. For fun, he hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim during his 60's, a 12-hour adventure. He also loved to ski in Colorado with family and friends.

Brian was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in late 2016. He knew his only chance for a cure was to receive a bone marrow transplant. So, once again he took a risk. He put his faith in the Lord and his KU medical team, and he worked hard to prevail. Unfortunately, he lost his battle to the disease.

Brian loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Barkley. Their daughters and grandchildren survive and mourn his death: Anne and Steve DeMercado, Gracie and Camille; Brenna and Matt Stephenson, Charlie and Wyatt. His sisters Carolyn Robinson (Rich Robinson) and Jaci Mairs also survive, as do many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Brian was preceded in death by his birth father, Roger Barkley, in 1944; his mother and dad, Lois and Bill Mairs; and his sister (Sissy) Mary Ellen Barkley.

Visitation at Penwell-Gabel, Monday, March 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. (143 & Blackbob, Olathe, Ks. 913-768-6777) Funeral services at Colonial Presbyterian, Tuesday, March 13, 11:00 a.m. (12501 W. 137 St., Overland Park, Ks. 913-322-1108). Family requests donations to City Union Mission and Salvation Army in lieu of flowers.