Gordon E. Barlow Jr.
SMITHFIELD—Gordon “Gene” Eugene Barlow Jr., 85, died Feb. 25, 2009, at Sentara Obici Hospital.
Born in Isle of Wight County, July 16, 1923, he was the oldest son of the late Gordon E., Sr. and Gladys Holleman Barlow.
Survivors include four siblings, Hannah Barlow Bain and husband Jack of Wakefield, Joseph H. Barlow Sr. and wife Lynn of Suffolk, Sarah Barlow Wright of Smithfield, William K. Barlow and wife Taylor of Smithfield; five nieces, Nancy Barlow Alwood, Jo Anne Barlow, Janet Wright Moore, Robin Bain King and Amy Barlow Britt; three nephews, Joseph H. Barlow Jr., J. Philip Bain Jr., and Todd R. Barlow; eight grandnephews, seven grandnieces, and two great- grandnieces.
As a student, he graduated from Smithfield High School, VPI (now Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University), and Iowa State University.
He was in the U.S. Army during World War II. His service was with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment in the Philippines and with the 11th Airborne Division in Japan. He was a member of the American Legion Post 49, Christopher Newport University’s Lifelong Learning Society, Smithfield Baptist Church and the Smithfield Ruritan Club.
After retirement from teaching math and science at Smithfield High School, Gene enjoyed taking numerous life-long learning classes in varied subjects.
A graveside funeral service was held Sunday in Ivy Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Donald R. Rhoton and the Rev. Dr. Furman Kenney officiating.
In his memory, donors may contribute to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to the benevolence of their choice.
Arrangements were in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.