Dr. David Barkman, D.V.M.

David Lyle Barkman, of Fayetteville, passed away on January 16, 2024, at the age of 76.  He was born on November 27, 1947, the third of four children, in Rochester Indiana to Helen and Earl Barkman.  He loved growing up on a farm in a small town where he learned the value of hard work and developed his strong sense of family.  He is survived by Karen Barkman, his wife of 53 years, whom he met while they were both students at Purdue.  He is also survived by his children Josh Barkman and wife Mary Jon and their children Christian and wife Glenn, Alex, and Mary Reese; Mandy Middleton and husband Dale and their children Alli and Will; Seth Barkman and husband Michael Wright; and Japheth Barkman and wife Katie and their children David, Joshua, Daniel, and John; his dog Harry and cat Hermione.  He is also survived by his brother Dennis Barkman and wife Rhoda.

Dave graduated from both undergrad and veterinary school at Purdue University.  Caring for pets and equally for their owners was not just a career but his passion.  After serving in the United States Air Force for 2 years at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, he moved his young family to Alabama for an internship at Auburn University.  They then moved to Fayetteville, NC, in 1976 where he started working at Highland Animal Hospital. Warm, funny, and always compassionate, Dr. Dave helped care for thousands of four-legged family members and their owners for 48 years. His passion and love for his job inspired two sons, one grandson and hopefully another (acceptance committee willing) to follow in his footsteps. 

He treasured family memories whether it was cheering for his grandkids on the sideline of a game or taking everyone to the beach, where they built sandcastles and caught crabs, or spending time with his children fishing and swimming in the lake off the backyard.  His competitive nature transcended playing basketball with friends at church or in someone’s backyard or playing racquetball at the Sports Center. Picking up trash along the road into Rayconda, digging a hole at the beach, or wheelbarrowing dirt into his son's backyard were all opportunities to compete. 

He was an active member of Haymount United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was willing to work alongside another church member to do any project that needed to be done to maintain the church or help another member. He was a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Fuller Center, Operation Inasmuch, and many other service organizations.  He loved adventure and was fortunate to be able to travel the world extensively for both service and pleasure over the last 25 years, accompanied by Karen.

A memorial service will be held at Haymount United Methodist Church at 3:00pm on Saturday, January 20.  With visitation in the Commons Room of the church from 1:00 to 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Haymount United Methodist Church to continue his legacy in mission work.