Richard Barkhouser

Richard Glenn Barkhouser, age 85, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 14, 2016 after several years of declining health. Born January 10, 1931 in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Loren Everett Barkhouser and Helen Livingston Barkhouser. He was also predeceased by brother, Robert Loren, and sister, Nancy Jean, who both passed away during childhood. He is survived by one brother, Dan Henry Barkhouser, and his wife Judy of Cumming, GA.    Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mildred "Kit" Hoge Whitehurst Barkhouser; son James Everett Barkhouser and wife Kristina of Danville, VA; daughter Helen Rhymer Barkhouser Collier and husband Kent of Spartanburg, SC; and son Robert Hoge Barkhouser of Sparks, MD. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Richard Andrew Barkhouser, Jacob Daniel Barkhouser; Hannah Loren Collier; Loren Everett Barkhouser, Charlotte Anne Barkhouser, Sarah Kathryn Barkhouser; Austin Ryan Spitler and Brianna Leigh Spitler.    After graduating magna cum laude from Gettysburg College in 1952, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Lieutenant for three and a half years during the Korean War. He then moved to Spain and studied at the University of Madrid under the G.I. Bill.    Richard began his automotive career in 1957 with Ford Motor Company in Richmond, VA. A year later, he was awarded the Ford franchise in Danville where he opened Barkhouser Motors, Inc. on Newton Street. After outgrowing the original location, the business moved into a newly built facility at the current location on Riverside Drive in 1969. He served as President of Barkhouser Motors, Inc. until 2011 and retired in 2013. During his distinguished career, he served as president of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. In 1984 he was one of 20 finalists nationwide for Time Magazine's Quality Dealer Award, honoring automobile dealers for both exceptional sales performance and distinguished community service.    Richard was very active in his church and in the community. He was a longtime member of Ascension Lutheran Church where he served in numerous capacities including church council. He served on boards of numerous local educational institutions including Stratford College, Danville Community College, and Averett University. In 1998, Richard and Kit created the Barkhouser Endowed Scholarship through the DCC Educational Foundation; and in 2011, he established the Barkhouser Free Enterprise Center. He also was past director and president of the Danville YMCA, chairman of the United Way, and director of Memorial Hospital. He was a former chairman of the advisory board for the Duke University Eye Center and was instrumental in the planning and funding of the university's new Eye Research Institute. He was also a member of the Danville Golf Club, the German Club, the Young Men's Club and the Kiwanis Club. He was named the Kiwanis Club 2004 Citizen of the Year.    The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 16 from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral will be held Thursday, March 17 at 2:00pm at West Main Baptist Church at 450 West Main Street, Danville, VA, followed by a private burial.    Memorials may be sent to Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541.