Mike Barksdale was born in Syracuse, NY to parents Lawrence Marvin and Marion Eleonora (Dittmann) Barksdale. An intelligent and athletic young boy he attended Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, NY where he played football during his junior and senior year.

Family and John Wayne movies created a love of the military. Mike chose to enlist in the Marine Corp at the age of 17. Upon completion of training at Paris Island, SC. Mike was assigned to a reserve unit in Syracuse where he decided to attend Syracuse University and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Marketing. While attending Syracuse Mike also played halfback for the football practice team.

Upon graduation from Syracuse Mike attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Mike attended Flight school in Pensacola, FL, graduating in1966. Mike served for 18 months in Vietnam in MM 361, MAG 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and in the 1st Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Mike was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart for serving in Vietnam.  Mike was then assigned as a flight instructor at Camp Pendleton in 1968 where he completed his enlistment in 1970.

As a civilian Mike decided to remain in San Diego where he also spent three years flying for Air America in Southeast Asia. Mike's passion for flying continued as a crop duster in Blythe, CA for eight years. Mike took his love for flying to the private sector which includes Flight International, Windbreaker Aviation, and Qualcomm. Mike accumulated more than 28,000 hours of flight time over a 54-year period.

In 1983 Mike met Janelle through a mutual friend. They were married in November of 1984. Whether it was just Mike and Janelle or the entire family, they were able to travel to many destinations and have many memorable adventures.

Mike loved to play golf and was a fan of the San Diego Padres. Mike recently graduated from the San Diego Police Department's Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol.

Mike is survived by his wife, Janelle; children Tamrin Gorham (Joshua), Trent Starr (Kerri); and Wendy Schug; grandchildren Quinn and Cole Gorham, Alexis and Kenley Starr and Lauren Schug; sister Anne and brother James.

Service to be held at Miramar National Cemetery, with Military honors on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 1 PM. Reception to follow at San Diego Southwestern Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Tunnel to Towers foundation. www.t2t.org