Arthur William Barksdale

Arthur William Barksdale, age 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend, left this earthly realm for everlasting life on February 18, 2022, after courageously beating cancer twice but ultimately succumbing to COVID-19. Art was born on August 2, 1950, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Arthur Bell Barksdale and Frederica (Clingman) Lee. A short time later, he moved with his mother and siblings to Kent, Ohio. When his mom remarried, Art developed a deep respect and love for his stepfather, Eddie B. Lee, whom Art considered his father throughout the remainder of his life. Art leaves behind his cherished wife of 51 years, Jo Anne; beloved sons, Aaron (Heather) and Justin (Dacia); the keys to his heart, his grandchildren, Jacob , McKenna, Nathan, Jadyn, Noah, Justin Jr, Jenea, Josef and Emily; sisters, Valerie and Thomasine (John); multiple nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; a myriad of young men and women he mentored throughout his life; many, many friends, and his dogs, Lily and Peanut who brought him so much joy. Art is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Frederica; and siblings, Phyllis, Phillip, and Andrea. Art att...[more]

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ed Kent Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1969. He attended Kent State University briefly before joining the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1970. Art spent 20 years in the USAF as a Civil Engineer, serving stateside, two remote tours to Alaska, and multiple temporary duty assignments overseas. His most cherished years in the USAF were when he coached football, basketball, T-ball and baseball as his sons were growing up while stationed at Vandenberg AFB, CA. Coach Barksdale was respected by parents and loved by his players. Throughout his life, former players continued to contact him, calling "Mr. B" or "Coach" for advice or just to say "hello." Art brought out the best in those he supervised, in his young players, in his children and grandchildren. He took interest in everyone he met. He would encourage everyone, no matter size, gender, age, or race. As he said, "It ain't the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog." He had a passion for helping people be the best they could be. He also had a deep desire to see people treated fairly and with respect. He loved Jehovah God and his family with all of his heart. He will be sorely missed. Art was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. A virtual Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 4:00pm. The link and code will be provided via social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) Art's minister and friend, Eric Zeltner, will be officiating. Art's remains will be inurned at the National Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 10:00am. Pastor Bill Mautino will be officiating. The family would like to thank the medical team at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix for the care provided Art over the last two weeks of his life. He touched their lives too. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be made in memory of Arthur William Barksdale to May Clinic Arizona or Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center Programs and Research. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.hansenmortuary.com.