Barney Kay

Barney Krivacka Kay led a historic and lengthy life. He was born on December 12, 1919 to parents, William and Veronika (Podhorelska) Krivacka in Latium, Texas. His family called him Barnik and he was raised on the family farm with his seven siblings who all preceded him in death. At the age of sixteen he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and built roads and parks in California. He was given room and board and his pay was sent to his parents who saved it for him. When he left the CCC and went home he used the saved money to go to a business school in Corpus Christi where he learned how to type and take shorthand. He went to Arizona with a friend, planning to go to California to mine gold. That never worked out and he struggled with several jobs before becoming a produce manager in a grocery store. He bought his first Model T there.
Barney received his draft notice, but volunteered for the Marines because they offered him six months more time stateside. He scored high on his mental tests and was placed in communications and electronics. Barney excelled at Morse code and could type 100 words a minute. His ability to take code kept him out of combat, but the most dangerous tour of duty was on Ellice Island reporting on the Japanese movements while the United States was planning the invasion of Japan. Barney was sent to Electronic Reconnaissance school in Omaha, Nebraska. While he was there he met his future wife, Dorothy Trillity. They married in 1944. Barney was sent back to the Pacific to work with artillery units setting up electronic fields to aid in targeting the enemy for the land invasion of Japan.
At the end of the war, Barney was discharged in Corpus Christi. Dorothy joined him there and they began their life together. He worked in radio and TV repair and also painted water towers. That didn’t last long. He hated heights! He excelled at electronics and was repairing amplifiers when a man named Mr. Wilson hired him to repair his juke boxes. That job got him started in the vending machine business. He worked for J.D. Armstrong until he sold the business, Nueces Novelty, to Barney. He enlarged the business and taught both of his sons, Barney Kenneth and Jimmy, how to work. They all worked together until Barney decided to sell the business in 1969 and retired at 49. Barney and Dorothy travelled to visit their children, especially loving the drive up the ALCAN to Anchorage, Alaska where Barney Kenneth lived. Unfortunately Dorothy developed cancer and died in 1978 after 35 years of marriage. Barney received a lifetime award when he volunteered with the Alaska Senior Center in Anchorage building a cabin and transporting seniors to doctor appointments.
Jimmy’s family moved to Austin, Texas in 1984 and Barney decided to settle there too. While attending activities at the Austin Senior Center he met a widow named Mittie Funderburk and they married in 1986. They travelled together many places but lived in Austin. Mittie developed Alzheimer’s and preceded Barney in death after 25 years of marriage.
Barney remained in the Austin area residing at The Pointe in Cedar Park until he caught Covid-19 and passed on January 16, 2021. He lived 101 years!
Barney will lovingly be remembered by: two sons, Barney Kenneth Kay (Mary Ing) of Anchorage, Alaska and Jimmy Kay of Austin, Texas. He leaves seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Due to the Covid crisis no service is planned at this time. Burial will be at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Barney was known for his positive outlook on life. He was happiest when socializing with others.

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