Tona R. Barkelew, 79, passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas on May 1, 2021. Tona was born on October 21, 1941 in Highsplint, Kentucky to Perry Lee Messer and Elizabeth Ann (Gatliff) Messer. On November 6, 1959 Tona, raised in the Baptist faith, married John Ashley Barkelew who precedes her in death along with her parents; brothers, Samuel Gerald Messer, Maurice Lee Messer, William Phillip Messer, and George Wilbur Messer; sisters, Eunice Junatta Randale and Jo Ann Sharon Bishop.

Tona is survived by her children, John Wayne Barkelew (Victoria), David Lee Barkelew (Kimberly), and Lisa Ann Liberty (Larry); grandchildren, John Anthony Barkelew, Daniel Wayne Barkelew, Rebecca Elizabeth Barkelew, Larissa Ashler Liberty, Grant McFarland Barkelew, Julia Lee Barkelew, and Logan Gerhard Liberty; brother, Carlos Richard Messer (Kay); sister, Marilyn Jean Funk (Travis); as well as numerous other loving family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021, 2:00pm at Leesville Cemetery in Leesville, Texas. Pastor Terry Davis will officiate.