Date of Service:
February 27, 2026
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Dr. Abraham “Skip” Barkett, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on February 17, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was 90 years old.
Born in Jacksonville on December 11, 1935, Skip grew up in Miami as the second of six sons born to Della and Abraham Barkett. He graduated from Miami High before going on to Emory at Oxford Junior College and Emory Dental School.
Following dental school, Skip entered the U.S. Army, rose to the rank of Captain, and spent two years stationed in Germany. It was there that he met the love of his life, Charlotte. They married in Omaha, Nebraska in September 1961.
After their marriage, Skip and Charlotte returned to Miami, spending weekends driving the east and west coasts of Florida in search of the perfect place to build a dental practice and raise their family. In December 1961, they arrived in Vero Beach—and never looked back.
Skip devoted 45 years to his dental practice in Vero Beach. He was deeply grateful for the relationships and personal connections he had with his patients. To him, dentistry was always more than just a profession. The friendships he formed earlier in life—at Miami High, Morningside Park, Emory, in the Army, and at Riomar Country Club—were among the great treasures of his life. He spoke of his friends and patients with gratitude until his final days.
Charlotte, his beloved wife of more than six decades, predeceased him on March 3, 2025. He is survived by his children Eric (Alisa), Geoffrey (Allison), Suzanne, and Adrianne (Mike); his grandchildren Kyle (Rachel), Matthew, Emily, Lindsay, and Lauren (David); and his brothers Larry, Ted, and Bruce. He was preceded in death by his brothers George and Russell.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 27th at 10:00 a.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, Vero Beach, followed by a Mercy Meal at the Vero Beach Heritage Center.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Irene Wilson - Cousin
February 20, 2026, 6:53 pm
So very sorry to hear of your grandfather’s passing Emily. We will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time. ❤️
Damon Limberis - friend
February 20, 2026, 9:01 pm
Dear Barkett Family, though I have not seen Skip in some time, my Father has kept me up to date on his visits with him and relayed his bright spirit and ongoing concern for Family and friends. I always enjoyed being with him as he had a truly uplifting soul and spirit. He will be sorely missed by all. May his memory be Eternal. With sympathy, Damon Limberis
Lori and Sean Gibbons - Friend
February 20, 2026, 9:36 pm
We are so sorry to hear this. We remember seeing him and Mrs. Barkett at so many sporting events for their grandchildren. They were always there to give their support.He was such an awesome family man. Keeping the family in our prayers.
Beth Dozer - Employees at dental office
February 20, 2026, 10:16 pm
So sorry to hear of his passing. I spent many wonderful years working for Dr. B at his dental practice. I have so many wonderful memories and laughter. RIP
Pat Carlsen - Friend
February 20, 2026, 10:49 pm
This is sad news for the family and our community as a whole! Dr. Barkett was a special man, full,of love and compassion and caring. The world was better for his presence…and Charlotte was a perfect match for him. Blessings and love to all their family.
Rebecca Bass, MD - Former patient, and friend.
February 20, 2026, 10:59 pm
I am so sad to hear of his passing. He took care of my whole family’s teeth for most of those 45 years to the Bass family. Skip and my dad Chubby were such good buddies (I’m sure they’re exchanging stories right now). He made going to the dentist fun! He will be sorely missed by all his patient’s, and the Vero Beach community. Thank you so much for lending him to us all. Dr Becky Bass
Ellie Houston - Friend
February 20, 2026, 11:03 pm
Dr. Barkett was a close family friend and our dentist for many years. Both my mother, Lis Bech, and my father, John Larsen, loved him dearly before their passing. We even lived in the jungle trail duplexes when I was very small. I have very fond memories of lunches with my dad and Skip as a child, and not so fond memories of being in his chair (never a fan of my teeth cleanings as a child). I send my love to his children and family, as they are wonderful people and a such a loss is never easy.
Don Schneider - Friend and Patient
February 20, 2026, 11:20 pm
In addition to being my dentist for many years, I considered Skip to be a true friend. The first few minutes of every visit to his chair was spent swapping the latest “Dad jokes”, and his dental skills were unsurpassed by any dentist I have worked with since. In fact, when I informed him if my pending move to the North Georgia Mountains, his advice to me was “The first thing you need to do when you get up there is to find a dentist that graduated from Emory Dental School”. Skip, you will be missed, and I have not been successful in completing your farewell assignment.
Tracy Monaghan - Family friend
February 21, 2026, 12:04 am
Adrianne, Suzanne, Eric and Geoff, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I’m sure Char, Polly and Al welcomed him with open arms in heaven! Hugs to all of you! ❤️
Carlos Guira - Former patient
February 21, 2026, 12:33 am
When my parents moved to Vero in 1962, they chose Dr. Barkett as our dentist. I always got a kick out of his opera singing while he worked in my mouth. When I was twelve years old while riding my bike, I stupidly ran into the trunk of a car. Suddenly my two front teeth were no longer in my mouth but on the trunk of my neighbor’s car. Lucky for me, I was only one block away from Dr. Barkett’s office. I picked up the teeth (not sure what I was thinking), and rode my bike to Dr. Barkett’s office. Without hesitation, Dr. Barkett brought me in, sat me down and began assessing and working on my teeth. I was there for six hours while he prepped what was left of my front teeth and fitted temporary crowns. I have never forgotten his care and dedication. RIP, Dr. Barkett.
Shani Combs Fields - Friend
February 21, 2026, 12:48 am
I met Dr. Skip Barkett while working for Dr. George Barkett. What great men they both were. Condolences to their families
Lisa Milton - Co worker of brother, George
February 21, 2026, 4:15 am
I worked for his brother, George Barkett many years ago- was such a blessing starting out my ten year career as an orthodontist assistant. George referred me to his brother, Skip to pull my wisdom teeth. He was a trooper- only pulled one , but I truly appreciate him! ( remaining needed an oral surgeon! lol) praying for his family during this time of loss to an amazing line of a great generation! It saddens me to loose so many who were such a big part of our Vero beach community!
Diane Tyler - My son was a former patient as a young boy
February 21, 2026, 12:57 pm
So sorry to hear of his passing. Will keep this beautiful family in my prayers…
Bonnie Peterson Carmine - Family Friend
February 21, 2026, 1:31 pm
My most sincere condolences to the Barkett family. I went to school with Eric, and Skip’s brother George was my Orthodontist. Vero Beach was fortunate to have such Wonderful, honest Doctors in our community. I pray God gives you peace and comfort through the days ahead.
Tom - Friend
February 21, 2026, 1:56 pm
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nila Helseth Grier - patient
February 21, 2026, 11:29 pm
Oh how I love this precious man. He was one of the kindest humans I ever encountered. It was a blessing to be his patient 40 years ago. I am so very sorry for the Barkett familes loss. I know they will miss this incredibly loving, kind, strong man in their lives. May God be with you all as you navigate days without him.
Cathy Thomas
February 22, 2026, 3:10 pm
Sorry to hear of Skip’s passing, He was our family dentist for well over 30 years until his retirement. He always had a smile and a listening ear for anything going on in our lives. I’m sure he is at peace now and together again with his lovely wife Charlotte. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Michelle Wagner
February 23, 2026, 4:12 am
Eric, Although we never knew your father, we wish you comfort on his long remarkable life. I feel like I know him from all the incredible things written about him. Condolences, Michelle and Janet Wagner
Beth & Brad Hensick - friends
February 23, 2026, 2:36 pm
Skip (and Char) were some of our favourite people in Vero and we are so sorry to hear the news of Skips passing. He will be so missed by so many. Our warmest condolences Eric, Suzanne, Geoff, Adrianne and all of your families. With love, Beth and Brad Hensick.
Sharon Glenn - friend
February 23, 2026, 3:05 pm
Vero Beach has lost a treaured “icon” with Dr. Barkett’s passing. He was our family (and my husband’s family) dentist from 1964, until his retirement, but he was always more than just our dentist, he was a friend and a wonderful person. As a child I actually looked forward to going to the dentist, because I knew Dr. Barkett would greet me with his warm smile, tell me how brave I was being, then at the end of the appointment he would give me a hug and let me pick a prize from the prize jar. I will never forget his kindness, and I’m so glad he was such an important part of our Vero Beach heritage. Our sympathies to all of his family; I know his passing leaves a real void, but how joyous it will be when you get to be with him again! I’m sure he will be waiting with that wonderul smile. With sympathy, Sharon and George Glenn
Sam Moon Jr - Friend
February 24, 2026, 7:35 pm
Oh my goodness. My childhood dentist and one of my dad’s best friends. Prayers for all the Barkett kids and extended family. Uncle Skippy and Aunt Char stopped by my mom’s funeral in 2019 and it was so nice to see them. Love you and Godspeed Uncle Skippy!!!
Nick Powell - family friend
February 25, 2026, 12:22 am
My deepest condolences to the Barkett family in the loss of Dr. Abraham Barkett. I did not know the doctor too well but was close friends during the 25 years I lived in Vero Beach with brothers Larry and George, as well as their spouses. My prayers of comfort and support to the family and friends of “Dr. Skip.”
Gray Vinson
February 25, 2026, 11:29 am
Adrian Suzanne Jeff and Eric, Sending you my condolences. Words cannot describe what a wonderful man your father has been. Every time i would see him I would walk away smiling and he passed that quality down to each of you. I’m grateful to have been his patient and will miss seeing him on those days when I needed it the most..
Carolyn Wagner Toohey - Patient, friend
March 2, 2026, 3:49 pm
So very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Dr Barkett was our family’s dentist as soon as he set up practice in Vero and I also babysat for Eric and Jeff when I was in HS. Skips humor and stories were always entertaining and made the dental experience actually enjoyable. As my siblings moved away after college he always remembered their names and asked about them. Will remember his endearing smile! Both Skip and Charlotte were amazing people and will be sorely missed!
The Whiddon Family - Friend
March 9, 2026, 3:32 pm
So sorry to hear of Dr. Barkett’s passing; he was such an amazing man with a dynamic personality who was also so soothing when you were in his dentist’s chair. He was our family’s dentist for many, many years and very well loved. The Whiddon family offers their condolences, as well as their thoughts and prayers to the family. Patricia, David, Dana and Brian Whiddon