Neil Barkus

Neil Morrison Barkus passed away in the early hours of September 28, 2022, at the age of 99. He was born September 23, 1923, to Ernest and Verna (Morrison) Barkus in Granville, ND.  After graduating from high school in Granville, he ranched for two years before joining the Navy in June 1943.  He was stationed in the United States and Guam before being honorably discharged in 1946.

Neil was a Coast to Coast Hardware man for most of his life.  He started his career at the New Rockford store.  This is where he met his future wife, Ruth Richter.  The two were married in 1949. They purchased Coast to Coast stores in Ashton, Idaho and Ft. Benton, Montana. In 1959, Neil and Ruth joined his Uncle Charlie and Aunt Avis Barkus at the Coast to Coast in Jamestown.

Dad was deeply involved in Jamestown serving in various roles such as: City Councilman, past Legion Commander, Vet’s Club, Elks, Legion, Kiwanis President, Deacon and Elder of the United Presbyterian Church, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and Director of Norwest/Wells Fargo Bank.

Neil and Ruth had 73 wonderful years together.  He is also survived by his children René Walters, David (Lucy), Kurt (Robin), Van (Sylvia), Todd (Brenda), his grandchildren Chasity Behrend, Sara Garcia, Nicole Schulte, Trent Barkus, Estee Hall, Chelsea Barkus, Miles Barkus, Lydia Barkus and Aaron Barkus, 11 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Duane and sisters Lura Hills, Lida Duncan and son-in-law James Walters.

Memorial Service – 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 6, 2022 at United Presbyterian Church, Jamestown, ND.

Prayer Service – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Burial – Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Camp Grassick at www.campgrassick.com or Camp Rokiwan, PO Box 484, Jamestown, ND  58402.