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Virgil Henry "Pistol" Barfield, 82, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017. He was born to Archie & Ermine Lewis Barfield on July 1, 1935 in Houston, Texas.
Vigil was very proud of his Houston Heights heritage! He attended John Reagan High School, South Texas Junior College, Stanford University, and the University of Houston.
Virgil began his working career at the Schlumberger Company, and worked his way from the shops through the ranks of the engineering department. He began his career while still completing his high school courses, and continued working for Schlumberger as he obtained his university degrees.
Upon completing his law degree, Virgil changed careers and practiced law with several of his friends in the Houston area until the wanderlust again began to crowd in. He again switched careers and entered the geophysical industry. He joined Texas Instruments, Geophysical Services Inc., later Halliburton Geophysical, Western Geophysical, and finally retiring from Aram Systems Ltd. From a small child, Virgil had a strong desire to see the world. He was fortunate that the geophysical industry which he enjoyed afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively and to see the world.
Virgil is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Carolyn Christen Barfield. Virgil and Carolyn, though friends in high school, did not renew their friendship and marry until later in life. Virgil is also survived by his three children, Sarah Barfield Brown, Virgil Henry Barfield, Jr., and John Allen Barfield; granddaughter, Sarah "Lizzie" Brown; great-granddaughter, Brianna Johnson. Virgil is also survived by a wonderful extended family. Upon Virgil's marriage to Carolyn, she brought her family who adopted him and who he considered family; they are daughters, Cindy Jones and husband Curtis Jones, Becky Evans and husband Daryl Evans; wonderful grandchildren, Tiffany Miklojewski and husband Ed Miklojewski, Randi Berter and husband Scott Berter, Casey Alpers and husband Kyle Alpers, Clint Evans, and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate Virgil's life will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 10 AM in the chapel of Heights Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to M.D. Cancer Center.
Arrangements under the direction of Heights Funeral Home, Houston, TX.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Heights Funeral Home.
August 22, 2020
Friend
Douglas Gibson
I met Virgil in the 1980's and he called me his favourite Basset. He was a lovely man and I can only remember huge frustration trying and failing to get through hours of traffic to get to his funeral during the turmoil that followed Hurricane Harvey. I was happy to be one of his favourite Bassets and he is sorely missed by all of us.
August 21, 2020
jacques Guillou
Virgil Basset as you used to say
You are in my Heart forever.
Jacques
December 16, 2017
Kemilee K Rainey
Your light will always shine in my heart.
December 16, 2017
Kemilee K Rainey
A dear friend, we shared many wonderful lunches and he was such a good listener and advisor. He was my attorney and encourager. He believed in me and always endorsed my capabilities. I will really miss him and am so sad to hear of his passing. He was a "pistol" and a wonderful man in all his friendship and successes. RIP, MY FRIEND.
September 5, 2017
Christine Lanmon
Family,
My name is Christine Lanmon and I was Virgil's cousin through the Lewis side of his family. My grandfather was Dixon Lewis who was Virgil's uncle. I grew up knowing and loving Virgil and his big heart and sense of humor. He was kind to everyone and never met a stranger. I remember his two adorable Bassets that he dearly loved. If Virgil liked someone, he'd refer to them as "A Good Bassett"! I am so deeply sorry that I lost touch with him through the last several years but he always held a special place in my heart. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to the memorial today due to my job. I never had a chance to meet his wife Carolyn, but heard many wonderful things about her through my family. I'm so thankful that he had a family that loved him and he knew that in his last days. I hope to one day I will have the honor of meeting Carolyn and reuniting with his adult children. I am sending my deepest sympathys to his family. I know in my heart, we will see Virgil again. God has gained another angel!
September 5, 2017
Cliff & Lynda Brooks
Carolyn,
I can't think of a finer gentleman than Virgil. Our relationship goes back to TI. He was full of kindness and had such a great sense of humor. I still recall the adventures in Rio! He will be missed by all. He was "A good Basset!"
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family.
September 5, 2017
Coworker
Tim Hladik
I will always have great memories of working with Virgil at Geo-X and ARAM. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Carolyn and all of the family.
September 4, 2017
Kenny & Lucilla Treece
Carolyn,
I know your loss is so great, but I also know you brought so much happiness to Virgil. Lucilla and I will always remember Virgil as a Friend first, and a great mentor to me. He was always quick with a smile and never met a stranger. The times we spent in China together are great memories and those memories will live forever. With love Kenny and Lucilla Treece
September 4, 2017
Dollye Booker
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband, Virgil. No words will make the hurt go away. He will always remain in your heart and memories. Sincerely, Dollye Booker
September 4, 2017
Michael Abrams
We will all miss you, Virgil. Many great times and experiences to remember.
August 30, 2017
Kevin Pelletier
I worked for Virgil at Geo-X / ARAM.
We traveled through China together many times. The Chinese used to call him "Lo Ba", which was sign of respect that meant something like "Elder Barfield".
After a while, people that knew us well started calling me "Xiao Ba", which was literally "Little Barfield".
I have a lot of great memories from those years. He was easy to get along with and a great boss but, man, he fed me some horrible, horrible things over the years.
May you find peace Lo Ba.
August 29, 2017
I wish to offer my condolences to the family,sorry for your loss. Matthew 11:28,29,30,
August 29, 2017
Jacques GUILLOU
I feel very sorrow. I met Virgil whilts we were competitors. Then through Geo-x Canada. He was a real gentleman with strong values. The old basset finally went on to the highway for ever but I will remember Him rets of my life.
My deep condolences to his Family.
Jacques GUILLOU/ NANTES/ FRANCE
August 29, 2017
Rev. Fr. Rick Ward-Harder
Carolyn,
I and the family of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Progressive Episcopal Church extend our sincere sympathy. I was blessed and honored to marry you and Virgil and know the true love you both shared for the other.
I have watched as 12 years of joy despite a few trials of health has unfolded. I know that this cannot and will not be easy for you, however, I also know that the memories of joy and happiness that you shared will serve to guide you as you grieve and move forward as he would want you to do.
Virgil was the consummate gentleman and you complimented each other as you are the perfect example of a true lady. The kindness that you both have extended to me has always been so appreciated.
As we talked together the other night, I realized that he may be gone from you in a physical sense, but it is clearly evident he will live forever in your heart. You both have been so blessed to have each other.
Our prayers for you are for comfort, peace, and strength to face the days ahead. You are one of the strongest and most resilient persons that I know and I know that with your faith, your strength and your family you will be okay.
Eternal rest grant unto him O'Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed thru the mercies of God rest in peace.
Carolyn, Cindy, and Becky, you are loved and we will continue to remember you in our prayers and in love....
Fr. Rick Ward-Harder and Scott and Evan and the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Family
August 27, 2017
Charles and Lisa Sommer
Virgil was a dear friend of mine for many years during our time together at GSI and Halliburton. I greatly admired him and we had a lot of fun together. Even though we lost contact in recent years I have thought of him a lot. My condolences go out to his family. May you rest in peace, our dear friend.
August 27, 2017
Jim Zarnow
I always called him Pistol. It sort of fit. I haven't seen him much since high school, but I always considered him a good friend. My prayers are with his family and friends.
August 27, 2017
Douglas Gibson
I first met Virgil in the 80's and he was a wonderful person. I was a young engineer and he was the calm, poised gentleman we all knew and loved. I last saw him a couple of years ago and have thought about him often since then. We will all miss him dearly. Doug Gibson (Balruddery, Scotland)
August 27, 2017
Joe Paul Wright
A fine man, great friend for many years. Loving, kind thoughtful and always helping others. I thank God for having had him in my life as we pass this way. I will miss you Pistol and THANK YOU for being there.
August 26, 2017
Gary James
Carolyn,
My thoughts are with you, and my heart is heavy. I will carry fond memories of Vurgil in my heart for the rest of my life. Dawn and I offer our prayers to you today. I am so happy that I was able to talk to Virgil on July 1st. As always he brought a smile to my face.
With love from one of his Bassetts - Gary James
August 26, 2017
Jessie Hamlin
I have known Virgil for many wonderful
years. He was the most generous, kind heart-ed and wonderful friend anyone could ever want. He loved all of his many friends. He was a special friend for many years and I will surely miss him. Now you can finally rest in piece Virg.
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