Obituary
Tom Barkelew was born October 10, 1922 in Fresno, California, and died on September 25, 2006. He was raised in Glendale, California by his parents, Helen and Ashley Barkelew – “Marn” and “Pod.”
After graduating from Hoover High School, Tom enrolled at USC and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. World War II interrupted his schooling. He joined the Navy as a Lieutenant, J.G. Serving in the Pacific, he was on the Landsdowne destroyer that carried Foreign Minister Shigimitsu to the USS Missouri, where the peace treaty was signed. As a student of history and international relations, Tom was honored to be present at this moment in history.
At the conclusion of the War, he returned to USC to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in Education. Tom taught at Burroughs High School in Burbank and James Monroe High School in LAUSD. He was the Vice Principal of Sun Valley Junior High in LAUSD and the principal of Oak Avenue Junior High in Temple City. He then became the Director of Secondary Instruction in the Santa Barbara Union High School District and the Assistant Superintendent in Burbank Unified School District. He eventually served as the Superintendent of the Centinela Valley Union High School District and retired as Superintendent from the Burbank Unified School District.
However, he felt that his best job in education was his last one. After retiring, he became a substitute teacher at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach and enjoyed substituting nearly every day until September 2004. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. “Mr. B” loved to teach and was a master teacher.
Tom enjoyed good theater and music, working in the garden, doing a challenging jigsaw puzzle, discussing politics, reading a good book and watching sports. His dogs, Tex, Archie, Annie, Barney, Katie, Mollie, Arthur and Amanda, received special attention and shared many walks.
His family, friends and the many whose lives he touched will always remember his amazing mind, quick wit, kind heart, and profound compassion.
Tom is survived by his wife Eleanor, her daughter Mitzi, son-in-law Tom, and grandson Anton. He is also survived by his daughter, Diane and granddaughter Erin.
If you wish to share your memories of Tom with the family, please click on the “Comments” link below.
After graduating from Hoover High School, Tom enrolled at USC and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. World War II interrupted his schooling. He joined the Navy as a Lieutenant, J.G. Serving in the Pacific, he was on the Landsdowne destroyer that carried Foreign Minister Shigimitsu to the USS Missouri, where the peace treaty was signed. As a student of history and international relations, Tom was honored to be present at this moment in history.
At the conclusion of the War, he returned to USC to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in Education. Tom taught at Burroughs High School in Burbank and James Monroe High School in LAUSD. He was the Vice Principal of Sun Valley Junior High in LAUSD and the principal of Oak Avenue Junior High in Temple City. He then became the Director of Secondary Instruction in the Santa Barbara Union High School District and the Assistant Superintendent in Burbank Unified School District. He eventually served as the Superintendent of the Centinela Valley Union High School District and retired as Superintendent from the Burbank Unified School District.
However, he felt that his best job in education was his last one. After retiring, he became a substitute teacher at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach and enjoyed substituting nearly every day until September 2004. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. “Mr. B” loved to teach and was a master teacher.
Tom enjoyed good theater and music, working in the garden, doing a challenging jigsaw puzzle, discussing politics, reading a good book and watching sports. His dogs, Tex, Archie, Annie, Barney, Katie, Mollie, Arthur and Amanda, received special attention and shared many walks.
His family, friends and the many whose lives he touched will always remember his amazing mind, quick wit, kind heart, and profound compassion.
Tom is survived by his wife Eleanor, her daughter Mitzi, son-in-law Tom, and grandson Anton. He is also survived by his daughter, Diane and granddaughter Erin.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your consideration of a contribution in Tom’s name to:Healthcare and Elder Law Program (H.E.L.P.), a 501 (c)(3)
1404 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501
310.533.1996 • www.help4srs.org
If you wish to share your memories of Tom with the family, please click on the “Comments” link below.
posted by emw at 11:27 AM
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