Dean Barkus Obituary

We are gathered here, not to mourn the loss of Dean "Rooster" Barkus, but to celebrate the life of a man who was as unique as the furniture he crafted. Born on November 25, 1938, in Enumclaw, Washington, Dean lived an impressive 86 years full of love, softball, woodworking, and the occasional off-key rendition of "Sweet Caroline" with the Senior Larks. His impact on the world was as strong and lasting as the wood he worked with, and his loving, compassionate, and creative spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
Dean was a man who knew how to live life to the fullest. He was the kind of guy who would strike up a conversation with a stranger in line at the grocery store, and by the time they reached the checkout, they'd be best friends. He was a man of many names, including "Rooster" and "Corky," but no matter what you called him, you could always call on him. His love for his family was unmatched, and he had a knack for turning every moment into a memory. As Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," and Dean certainly knew how to get started on making life fun.
Surviving Dean is a cast of characters as diverse and loving as himself. His beloved wife, Jane Barkus; his children, Lisa (John) Perry and Tony (Annette Hollingshead) Barkus; his grandsons, Tyler (Lauryn) Perry, Steven Wagner, Zachary Perry, and Nathan Barkus; his great-grandsons, Hunter and Wesson Wagner; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Jean Barkus; his brother, Gary; and his son, Brian.
Join us for a graveside service on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Enumclaw Evergreen Memorial Park, 23717 Southeast 416th Street, Enumclaw, Washington, 98022. Afterward, a reception will be held in Dean's backyard, where he spent countless hours creating and crafting.
In the words of Dean himself, "Never forget to laugh, love, and let the sawdust fly." So, let's honor his memory by doing just that. Please feel free to share your memories of Dean and upload photos to his memorial page. He lived a life full of stories - let's make sure they're told.