Alben William Barkley II (September 15, 1944 – January 30, 2023)[1] was an American politician who served as Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture from 1980 to 1984.

He received a public education, and attended Paducah Tilghman High School, where he was on the football and basketball teams.

He graduated from Murray State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, history, and political science.

[2] After returning to the United States, Barkley moved to Marion, Kentucky, where he began a career in hunting and farming.

[4][5] In 1983, Barkley ran for Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, but came in fourth in the primary behind Steve Beshear, George Atkins, and Todd Hollenbach.