Barfield, Berkley

Berkley Barfield

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January 7, 1915 – November 21, 2013 

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Berkley Barfield was born on January 7, 1915, in Bartlett, Texas.  

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He graduated in 1933 from Bartlett High School and was intensely interested in prose and poetry.  Berkley attended Rice University; however, the impact of the “Great Depression” impeded his dream of graduating. 

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His first job was with Superior Milk Company in Houston, Texas where he drove a horse drawn wagon. The milk route served him well in learning the streets of Houston, as he later became a taxi driver. 

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In 1942, Berkley joined the United States Army.  He was assigned to an Escort Guard Company and later became an MP guarding German P.O.W.’s in Huntsville, Texas.  He eventually obtained the rank of Sergeant Major and in World War II served under General George Patton in Europe.  

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In 1943, he married Myrtice McGlothlin. 

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In 1944, the Army transferred Berkley overseas to fight in the European Theater of operations until the war was over. At the end of World War II Berkley was discharged from the Army and returned to civilian life. However, a short time later the Korean War broke out and he was called back to active duty. Two years later, he was discharged from the Army.  

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He and Myrtice returned to Bartlett, Texas, and after sixteen years of marriage they had a son, Mark William Barfield.

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Berkley was an avid reader, fondly displaying his library of Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey novels. His dream of becoming an author was realized when he began writing poetry full time at the age of ninety-one.  He had written three books with had a fourth in the works, at the time of his death. 

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Berkley is preceded in death by his wife, Myrtice Barfield; his sister, Irene Barfield; and his parents, William Henry and Essie Barfield. 

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He is survived by his son Mark and wife Diana and three grandchildren, Charlye and Josh Barfield and Matthew David Eller.  He also leaves behind much loved nieces and nephews.