Bob B. Barrickman
Bob B. Barrickman
Bob B. Barrickman
November 23, 1925 – June 11, 2015
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 89
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Bob B. Barrickman, age 89, entered into eternal peace in his sleep on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. He is now in God’s keeping and is forever in our hearts. Bob was born to Lloyd and Mary (Fenton) Barrickman on November 23, 1925.
Bob grew up on a farm to become an exceptionally hard worker. He served in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Margie (Gorden), in 1946 to begin a 60 year adventure in life.
Bob and Margie purchased a farm near Centerville where they raised farm animals, grew crops, sold milk, eggs, cream and berries and welcomed their children into their world. Bob drove a truck for Craver Lumber in Centerville, maintained the Sharon Bluffs State Park and numerous other jobs to support his family and get ahead in life. He accepted a job with Earl May Garden Center in Centerville, from where he was transferred to Oskaloosa to become the store manager there.
Bob became well-known to many people in Oskaloosa and surrounding communities through his landscaping, gardening and farm seed services on his job.
Bob enjoyed camping, boating and travelling all over this beautiful America. He collected antique tractors, participated in tractor pulls at annual events and showed motors at the Midwest Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant. He rarely missed the Iowa State Fair. He really, really liked eating fresh tomatoes in the garden as quick as he could pick them.
Bob was an active and devoted member in church all of his life and served as Deacon at the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa. He and Margie sang gospel songs on the radio in Centerville in his early years. Family, friends and neighbors found him always ready to help out with anything.
Bob loved to exchange stories from his life and participate in activities with his children and grandchildren. His ability to let them try new things on their own and learn from mistakes was admirable. He was a joker and always left people smiling.
Bob is survived by his two sons: Dr. Les Barrickman of San Luis Obispo, CA., and Jerry (& Robyn) Barrickman of Oskaloosa, IA.; two daughters: Patty (& Dan) Vermillion of Liberty Twp, OH and Karen (& Ed) Parker of Fairfield. IA; five grandchildren: Julia Vermillion, Ben Parker, Heidi (Parker) Gwinn, Holly Barrickman, and Christopher Barrickman; a great-grandchild, Jackson Gwinn; a brother, Gary (& Dorothy) Barrickman of Centerville; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margie; three sons: Bobby J., Donald E., and Jimmy A.; and a brother, Charles .
Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 16, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, with Reverend Ed Parker officiating.
Military Rites will be given by the members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. after the service.
Burial will be in the Haines Cemetery north of Centerville, Iowa. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Monday after 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-8 Monday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.
