Johnny Barkett was born August 29, 1927 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Charley and Essie Barkett. At the age of 5 his family relocated to Marshall, Johnny's home for the next 85 years. He was a graduate of Marshall High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Texas Baptist College in 1947. After graduation he served his country honorably in the United States Army as a T.I. & E. instructor. After his honorable discharge from the US Army, Johnny began working at the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant until his retirement. For 28 years, he worked as a Production Foreman and Equipment Manager.

Johnny was an avid sports fan. He served as a referee and umpire as a member of the Southwest Football, Baseball, and Basketball Association. He and Bennie Smith started the Girls Softball League in Marshall.

Johnny was a life member of the Marshall Elks Lodge #683 and of the MarTex Lions Club for more than 40 years. He received the highest award in the Lions organizations, the Melvin Jones Award, for longevity and community service.

Surviving Johnny is his wife of 51 years, Mary Lou Barkett; two daughters, Clarissa Martin; Debbie Webb and husband, Dennis; son, Larry Taylor, and wife, Regina; 8 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Lois Fadal and husband, Dr. Ronald Fadal of Waco, and Betty Horaney of Longview.

Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons, Dwight Baker, Lary Baker, Hunter Taylor, and Kent Martin, 4 nephews, Dr. Brad Thomas, Al Horaney, Dr. Ronald Fadal, and Greg Gani. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Phil Thomas, Dr. Robin Fadal, and Rusty Asaff.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall with Father John Himes and Reverend Andrew Ellison officiating. Interment will follow in Algoma Cemetery South. Visitation with family and friends will take place Wednesday, September 27, 2017 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Downs Funeral Home.