Paul Eugene Barkwell, 75, passed away on January 7, 2021 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach after an arduous battle with Parkinson's disease. Gene, as he was most commonly known, was born and raised in Vero Beach and even though he traveled the world he always considered Vero Beach home and knew it was where he ultimately wanted to be. He was an ambitious hard-working man who had many successful business ventures and personal accomplishments. He was an avid reader and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was a member of Pillar Community Church in Vero Beach and volunteered to work with boys in Big Brothers of America. He was a mentor and good friend to so many.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Paul Barkwell, mother Ollie Barkwell, his youngest brother Jason Barkwell and his wife and partner Cheryl Smith Barkwell. He is survived by his son John Paul Barkwell, Granddaughters Amanda Barkwell Saul and Alyssa Teagan Barkwell of Orange County, CA; his siblings Joyce Barkwell McCall, John Barkwell, Janet Barkwell Lyons, Joan Barkwell Rooney and Jeffrey Barkwell all of Vero Beach, along with too many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and associates to be named here. We will miss him, his love, adventurous storytelling and fishing stories.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com . A small family memorial service will be held with a life celebration to be scheduled at a later date. As all who knew him, he was a true animal person and especially loved his Labrador Retrievers. In lieu of flowers please consider giving in memory of Gene Barkwell to the Vero Beach Humane Society at www.hsvb.org .