Rev. Emmitt C. Barrow's Obituary
Reverend Emmitt C. Barrow
A service of celebration honoring the life of the Reverend Emmitt C. Barrow of Longview will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 1 at Greggton United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Dr. Jonathan Bynum will officiate, assisted by Bishop John Wesley Hardt, Dr. Pat Day and Rev. Doug Wintermute. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Reverend Barrow, age 91, went to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of April 28, 2010, as his family gathered around him at his home. Emmitt was born in Marlin, Texas to Luther and Flossie Barrow on November 7, 1918. An honor graduate of Marlin High School, he completed his BBA degree from the University of Texas. While in college, he was on the tennis team and he played the clarinet in the Longhorn band for four years. During his freshmen year, he and 28 other members of the band toured with Governor James Alread throughout 37 states advertising the opening of the Texas Centennial in Dallas in 1936. For years to come Emmitt felt a strong alliance with the Longhorns. Following graduation, Emmitt became an auditor for Texaco in Houston. In his spare time he taught courses at a local business college, kept the records for several businesses and was very active at First Methodist Church in Houston. During this time, Emmitt felt a call to the ministry, plus he wanted to join the military while the country was at war. The military recommended his getting a seminary degree and then becoming a chaplain. While attending Perkins School of Theology at SMU, Emmitt pastored several churches in the East Texas area where he met the love of his life, Anne Humphrey. After completing his Masters of Divinity and military training, he was commissioned as a Naval Chaplain. He and Anne were married on Oct. 23, 1945 and he brought his new bride to his first assignment at the Naval hospital in Norman Oklahoma. Emmitt completed his term of service at Adak, Alaska. After the war, Emmitt and Anne faithfully served many churches in the Texas Annual Conference: Elkhart. Navasota, Grand Saline, Galena Park, Texarkana, St.Matthew?s/Houston, Westbury, Pt. Arthur and Baytown. He served as District Superintendent for the Palestine District for six years. Retiring after forty-six years of service, Rev. Barrow accepted a call to be on staff at Greggton United Methodist Church, as an Associate in charge of Evangelism. After 18 years of service, he retired in 2006 as Pastor Emeritus of Greggton UMC. Emmitt loved his family dearly and often traveled with them to his favorite vacation spot, Estes Park, Colorado. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and was a loyal fan of the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Astros. One of Emmitt?s greatest passions in life was helping people during their time of need. He visited individuals in the hospitals, nursing homes and in their homes. When his health declined, he continued this care ministry by phone. Emmitt Barrow exhibited a life of service to others. Left to cherish Emmitt?s memory are his loving, devoted wife of 64 years, Anne Barrow; his sister Eleanor Jo Smith of Austin; his daughter, Debbie Barrow of Longview; his son Don Barrow of Dallas; and son David Barrow and wife Kathryn of Plano. He loved his wonderful grandchildren: Vernonica Lynn Bandy and husband Tim of Minneapolis; John David Barrow of Plano; and Melanie Anne Palmer and husband Brent of Point Blank, Texas. Added joys are his four great-grandchildren: Kimberly, Matthew and Joshua Bandy; and Austin Palmer.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family appreciates the wonderful medical care and loving support during his illness by Dr. Rick Earnest, Dr. Larry Frase and Dr. Margaret Schottstaedt, the Beacon Hospice staff, care givers and many neighbors, friends and church members.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greggton United Methodist Church, Beacon Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.
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