Steven Carl Barkley, MAJ, JA, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Steven Carl Barkley, MAJ, JA, U.S. Army (Ret.), passed away on October 16, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1948, in Kewanee, Illinois.
A proud veteran and dedicated public servant, Steve graduated from Billings West High School in 1966 and went on to earn his B.A. and M.A. in Economics from the University of Montana in Missoula. He later earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Baylor University School of Law, specializing in Corporate and Labor Law.
Steve served his country with honor, earning the Bronze Star Medal and other commendations before leaving active duty as a First Lieutenant in 1975. He continued his military service with the Texas Army National Guard until 1991, where he rose to the rank of Major and became the first Staff Judge Advocate of the 36th Brigade. His assignments included tours in Saigon, Thailand, Okinawa, and Fort Hood during active duty, followed by 16 years of dedicated service with the Texas Army National Guard.
In civilian life, Steve practiced law from 1978 until his retirement in 2017. Board certified in Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law since 1991, he was widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and steadfast dedication to justice.
A passionate model railroader, Steve shared his love of trains with friends across the country and served as President of the National Model Railroad Association’s Lone Star Region from 2013 to 2016. He earned the distinction of Master Model Railroader (MMR) through completion of the NMRA Achievement Program—a reflection of his creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Steve was also deeply involved in the local model railroading community. He was a founding member of the East Texas and Gulf Rail Modelers Club in the Golden Triangle of Texas and joined the Southeast Texas Model Railroad Club in 2012. In 2022, he was honored as an honorary member of the Tex-La Model Railroad Club. Steve was also a longtime member of the San Jacinto Model Railroad Club in Houston. Known for his generosity with both his time and knowledge, he became a trusted mentor in the hobby. His expertise in Model Railroading DCC (Direct Command Control) led him to collaborate with Kalmbach Publishing on a popular instructional video for the Model Railroad Academy—a resource that continues to inspire hobbyists across the country.
Steve was a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous boards, volunteered his time cooking meals and photographing events, and enjoyed teaching Bible study classes alongside his beloved wife, Judy.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Barkley; stepdaughter, Kathy Weir and husband, George; grandson, George Weir Jr.; stepson, Chris Deever and wife, Vanessa; grandchildren, Holly, Kate Banks, and Bryn Banks; sister, Carla Sterling and husband, Rod; nephews, Cale Barber and wife, Kristi, Ryan Barber and wife, Rachael; niece, Taya Barber-Thurman; nephews, Bryan and Andrew Olsson; and niece, Katie Johnson.
Preceded in death by his parents, Carlos Junior and Lorraine Barkley; his sister, Lori Olsson; and his first wife, Diane Barkley.
Memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 0843, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Ave, Beaumont. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well lived and deeply loved. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.
Memorial Service
Trinity United Methodist Church
- 3430, Harrison Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77706,
- October 28, 2025
- 11:00 am
I am so very sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. I truly enjoyed knowing him for so many years as a tax client! And I was honored to see his model train display once many years ago! Amazing!
May Steve rest in eternal peace, sending my thoughts prayers to Judith and his family.
Steve was an outstanding lawyer who represented his clients with great skill. Most of all, he always maintained dignity and integrity. He lived his faith as a Christian gentlemen. Working with or against him was a pleasure and privilege. I will always hold him in high esteem.
I had the privilege of working on cases with and against Steve and of working with him on JCBA-related events. He ALWAYS had a nice word to say or a smile on his face or both. He was a wonderful example of professionalism and kindness. I always enjoyed listening to the interesting stories he loved to share. May he rest in peace.
Steve reached out to others many times assisting and inspiring as Christians’ should. He was a true professional and inspiration to other attorneys. He lived his beliefs while serving as a beacon of kindness and integrity to many. Condolence to his family and all that knew him.
Judy and family.
Steve was always a gentleman. Each time he came in the office at but Trinity, there was a smile on his face. God has a special spot in heaven picked ou for Steve.
My prayers are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss, Judy. Steve was one of the first attorneys I met after moving to Beaumont. We were both involved in a probate matter and he was so easy to work with. Additionally, you two were co-presidents of our Sunday School & welcomed me warmly when I joined Trinity & HAMACO shortly after I met him in court. He was a consummate professional & a very good man. Now that he has fought the dementia fight after so many other accomplishments, he has certainly earned the right to rest in peace & join our ever growing Heavenly HAMACO chapter, where I know he has been welcomed with open arms. May you & the family gather solace in the caring thoughts of those who admired Steve & considered him a friend as you journey through the days ahead.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
As a court reporter, I had the honor to work with Mr. Barkley many times. He was the consummate gentleman lawyer, a kind man and wonderful advocate for his clients.
While we are saddened to know Steve is no longer with us, his recent life has been a difficult journey for him, his family and his friends as he has slowly drifted away. May he now rest in perfection with God. Our condolences to Steve’s family and those who knew and loved him.
I’m sorry to learn of Steve’s death. He was a long-time member of the Galveston Railroad Museum Board of Directors, traveling from Beaumont to attend monthly meetings. He was later a member of the Advisory Board and continued in that capacity until his death.
He was the originator of the model train show held at the Museum every April. His advice and input will be missed.
Steve was Plaintiff’s counsel taking the very first deposition I attended as a lawyer over 34 years ago. In the years that followed, I had more dealings with him and I always found his integrity unblemished. He was kind, generous, sincere and honest. Condolences to the family on the loss of a wonderful man.