Norman A. Barkeley's Obituary
Norman Arthur Barkeley, 90, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 surrounded by loved ones.
Norm Barkeley was born March 6, 1930 in Grand Rapids Michigan, but spent most of his childhood in Pontiac, Michigan. He attended Pontiac High School and went on to graduate from Michigan State University where he established lifelong friendships (many in his fraternity Alpha Tau Omega), an unwavering dedication to all things Sparty football, and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Cynthia.
After college, Norm served two years at Camp Benning in Georgia. After the military, his love of flying and aeronautics led him to pursue a career in the aerospace industry. During his 31-year tenure at Lear Siegler Incorporated, he climbed the ranks to become President, Chairman and, eventually, CEO. After a long and successful career at Lear Siegler Incorporated, he briefly retired only to come out of retirement to join Ducommun Incorporated where he served as a Board Member, Chairman, and CEO for 11 years.
Throughout his career, he earned countless recognitions as a turn-around guy and savvy businessman as well as awards such as Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater, Michigan State University.
Norm enjoyed classic cars, a good boat, and a cold beer. He was happiest on his porch listening to music, with Cynthia by his side, beer in hand, and watching the famous Michigan sunsets (and hoping for an infamous sighting of the green flash). Outside of his family, his faith was an integral part of his life.
He was preceded in death by father and mother, George and Olga, brothers, Duane and Alan, daughter Debbie, and son Donald. He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Cynthia; his children, Susan (Mark) Arminio, Bill (Mary Beth) Barkeley, Jim (Pam) Barkeley, Sue Brown Barkeley; his grandchildren: Mark Jr., John (Katie), Matthew (Sonia), Patrick (Breanne), Sharon, John (Anne Kash), Brian, William, Daniel, Clare (Doug), Shannon (Darragh), Joseph, Katherine, Erica, Samantha, Maxwell, Jessica, Allie, and Holly; and eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Barkeley.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM Saturday, September 26, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (430 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456) with Rev. David Gross officiating. Visitation will start at 12:15 before the service. COVID 19 restrictions and masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to: Foundation Fighting Blindness (925 Oakland Mills Road, #701,Columbia, MD 21045), or No Barriers USA (317 Stover St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524). Please sign the family's online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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