Louis Lee Barkacs

Louis Lee Barkacs, 87, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Clinton Healthcare and Rehabilitation. He was born August 21, 1937, in Elyria, Ohio. After graduating from high school, Lou enlisted in the USAF, where he served his role with the military police. On July 17, 1958, Lou married Ruth Zemke (d. 4.24.21) in Oakland, California.

Once both were retired from the military, the couple eventually found their way to Sedalia, where Lou worked as a salesman for Klassic Manufacturing. Once the company went defunct, the decision to stay in Sedalia was made, and soon, Lou was offered the position as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Lou was an excellent salesman, who, through his tenure, sold farm equipment, recreational vehicles, advertising for a local company that produced television spots, lead generation for various resorts, along with several other marketing sales. Lou was the creator of the Sedalia Treasure Hunt that had its successful launch in the 1970s.

With a passion for spreading the Gospel, Lou and Ruth began working with the Residents Encounter Christ program that served inmates at minimum security prisons in Missouri, such as Booneville Correctional Facility. With the assistance of many volunteers from all walks of faith, the team spent several years, usually twice a year, spending designated weekends ministering to selected inmates.

Lou is survived by his son, Jeff Barkacs (Mick) of Sedalia; his daughter, Jill Barkacs (Jack Cantwell) of Muskogee, OK; grandson, Alex Cantwell (Aileen) of Springfield, MO; granddaughter, Jess Barkacs Mescher (Mitchell) of Palm Bay, FL; and grandson, Matthew Barkacs (Kassy) of Lincoln, MO. He is further survived by 10 beautiful great-grandchildren!

A celebration of Life service will be held Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Calvary Episcopal Church, Sedalia, Missouri, with the Revered Anne Kyle presiding.