Paul Weston Barkley

Paul Weston Barkley died on January 6, 2025; he was 89 years old. Energetic, funny, irreverent, curious and smart, Paul was someone who had the gift of making most things in life interesting and fun. He could hold the room whether talking about Agricultural Economics, the right way to peel an apple, or what he had just purchased at the “Market of Great Expense.”

Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, Paul was the son of Theodore and Faye (Mitchell) Barkley, who were both teachers. It was there that Paul began to develop traits and interests that would remain with him throughout his life—a love of learning, a razor-sharp wit and an appreciation for rural communities. He graduated from Ripon High School, where he played the clarinet, before briefly attending Modesto Junior College. He then moved to Oregon State University and earned both bachelors and masters degrees. There he met his future wife, Lela (Kelly) at a church youth retreat. They would go on to be married for 68 years.

Continuing on his quest for learning, Paul and Lela moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Paul would earn a PhD in Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, and they would have 3 sons. The majority of Paul’s 40-year career was spent as a Professor at Washington State University; he also spent time at Utah State, Colorado State, Cornell and the USDA ERS. He was active in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and was recognized for his contributions to the profession by being named a Fellow of the Association. An accomplished writer and editor, Paul wrote multiple textbooks, including two with his son, Andrew, also an agricultural economist.

On the home front, Paul was an active father and grandfather and taught his family many life lessons—including the fine art of coloring whipping cream, and the ability to speak your mind. Paul lived life at 100%. Whether reading, gardening, eating the largest possible burger on the menu or senior exercise class, he was all in. Paul was enthusiastic about people, places, knowledge, and life in general, in a way that was truly unique. Those interests extended to travel, and he and Lela enjoyed many trips in retirement, Hawaii being a favorite.

Survivors include his sons, Dan (Wendy), Chris and Andy (Mary Ellen); brother, Bill (JoAnne); and grandchildren, Alex; Emily, Katie (Raj), and Charlie (Deneige).

Special thanks to Jean and LeRoy Rogers for their lifetime of friendship with Paul and the whole family.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Trust.