Rev. John Barkett

Rev. Barkett was born in the panhandle of Oklahoma and raised in Wichita, KS. He was a 1973 graduate of North High School, spending his out of class time in debate and forensics and active in student legislature being elected president his senior year. He best utilized his “athletic abilities” by managing the sports teams at Hadley Middle School and North High. He attended Friends University and then the University of Kansas. He completed a major in political science and a minor in music with many more hours in the latter. He was also a proud Jayhawk alumnus, as long as the discussion did not center around sports!

From an early age, John’s compassion for others and his love for God led him on a path of serving others across our great country. He started out with the Mennonite volunteer service in Seattle, Washington and then worked as a Juvenile probation counselor for King County Youth Services. In order to serve God and humanity, he attended seminary at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary obtaining a Master of Divinity in 1989. His professors commented that his theological background was truly sound due to his Orthodox Christian upbringing.

He was ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on July 1, 1990. His initial installation was Sibley Trail Presbyterian Parish, which was 3 parishes; Ayer, Buffalo and Tower City, ND. His pastoral service then led him to the First Presbyterian Church, Oskaloosa, IA in 1994. Next was Las Vegas, Nevada as an active member of the Presbytery and in 2001 Interim pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church. With his compassion and wit, he addressed the multiple challenges that existed in each parish. In 2004, he was installed at First Presbyterian Church, Kingman, KS which brought him and his children closer to family. He so enjoyed this community and the love and support they gave him. John also served as Chaplain at Larned State Hospital in 2011. In 2013 he became the pastor at Tawas Area Presbyterian Church, Tawas, MI. With his love for cold climates, his next call came at Wilmot Presbyterian Church, SD. He “officially” retired and moved to Wichita in 2017, but continued to serve through interim pastoral positions, pulpit supply, organist/pianist, and stayed active in the Presbytery. John lived and displayed Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God.”

He took his pastoral responsibilities very seriously, always ready to celebrate weddings and church sacraments, lay a parishioner or parishioner’s family member to rest, and diligently made his hospital visits, no matter how far he had to travel. John loved to drive so no distance was too long for him.

His pastoral duties did not stop at the churches he served but carried on though community service by teaching, counseling, and crisis intervention. John believed in justice and equal rights for everyone and would seek out those who quietly needed it most. He supported so many causes it would be impossible to list them all.

John’s musical talents were vast from performing, composing, teaching music theory and piano lessons. The piano was always his favorite instrument. His very first “recital” occurred at his graduation from North High in May, 1973 which was attended by many families and friends. He obtained a Masters’ Degree in Music Composition from the University of Las Vegas, NV in 2003, studying under Virko Baley. His composition recital on May 5th, 2003 presented a cantata based on his “Brief Statement of Faith” and other original compositions. 

John was an instructor of music theory, composition and piano at the University of Las Vegas, NV, and taught music theory at Sterling College, KS. 

Not everyone has a baby grand piano, an Allen organ, a harpsicord, an upright piano and an antique pump organ in their home! These along with his extensive sheet music and book collection were his prized possessions. He also won a contest at the University of Kansas for the largest collection of “anything” by entering his sheet music collection!

His unconditional love for his children, Greg and Abby, was evident through his prayers and undying support. He was always seeking out what was best and supporting them in any endeavors or challenges they would experience. Most who knew him learned quickly of his love for his other 4-legged children (dogs). John was a staunch supporter of Animal Rights and gave of his time and contributed to many local animal causes (especially those focused on Pit Bull rescues and homing). 

It would be rare that any acquaintance of John would not be quickly indoctrinated by his wit and sense of humor. His tag name was “The Irrev Barkett.” He used this to his advantage to put others at ease. He was always willing to set down and work with you on your spiritual guidance (both heart and liquid wise). He always sought out people in need and helped so many without asking anything in return or acknowledgment of his good works. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17) but not in John’s world!

 John is preceded in death by his parents, H.R. (Tony) and Grace Barkett. He is survived by son, Gregory Barkett; daughter, Abby Barkett; sister and brother-in-law, Toni and David Sadler; special friend, JoAnn Howell; godfather, Norman Farha; aunts and uncles, Farris Farha, Gloria Farha Flentje Focht; nephew, Christopher Sadler, many loving cousins, and John's beloved 4-legged companions, Spade and St. Jerome.

Our prayer for John, “Give rest to thy good and faithful servant and grant him paradise.” May his memory be eternal!