John Ward Barkhurst

John Ward Barkhurst was born to Carole Ann and Ralph Barkhurst in Sinton, Texas, July 8, 1961. He passed away May 18, 2008, in Houston, Texas, after a short illness. Jay spent his early years in Sinton. He graduated from Gregory Portland High School in 1979, and later attended Texas AandM University at College Station. As a registered, licensed interior decorator and owner of Jay Barkhurst Designs, his public and private clients were scattered throughout the country. An outstanding member of the Houston design community, he had received multiple local, state and national awards in his chosen profession including honors bestowed by the National Home Builders Association. Those who loved him will remember Jay as a fun-loving, loyal friend whose sense of humor never flagged. An enthusiastic gardener, gourmet cook, and intrepid traveler, he particularly enjoyed swimming, music and the arts. He will be greatly missed. Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ward and Lena Crow of Sinton; father, Ralph Barkhurst; grandmother, Lela Barkhurst and his brother Jeff Barkhurst, all of Dallas, Texas; and his stepfather Myles E. McKitrick, M.D., of Rockport, Texas. Survivors include his mother, Carole Ann McKitrick and brother, Neal Barkhurst both of Rockport, Texas; sister, Cindy Barkhurst of College Station, Texas; step-sister Lisa (Rick) Holland of Wichita Falls, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held Saturday, May 31, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 412 North Live Oak, Rockport, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made to St. Peter’s Church Building Fund or a favorite charity. Arrangements entrusted to: Charlie Marshall Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Rocport/Fulton, Texas 1-361/729-2451