William A. “Bill” Barlow, of Laramie, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. He was born June 24, 1937 to Roy A. and Amanda (House) Barlow in Ada, Oklahoma.
He married Lynnette “Lynn” Murphy on June 9, 1976, in Loveland, Colorado.
Bill entered the United States Army after graduating high school. During his 21 years of service, he had two tours in Vietnam and was stationed in Germany twice. He also sky dived while serving in the Army. His greatest accomplishment in the Army was when he became part of the Special Forces Team and was with them for 10 years.
He had a career in teaching Junior ROTC in Cheyenne, Cherokee, NC and Knoxville, TN, which led many of his students to serve in the military. He taught leadership, survival, swimming, repelling and shooting skills. After retiring from his teaching career, he continued to volunteer for the JROTC. He also spent time working as a pipe fitter in several locations.
He was an avid outdoors man that enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, downhill and water skiing, sports and sky diving. When Bill wasn’t spending time in the Snowy Mountains you could find him in his woodworking shop making a variety of furniture and kitchenware.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael Barlow.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Barlow; his children, Michelle Herron and Lynelle (L) Dennis; his grandchildren, James and Aylicia Herron; his multiple great grandchildren; and his many adoptive children and their families he met over the years teaching.
A private celebration of life will be held later in the summer.
Memorial donations may be made to JROTC Program: mailed to, Knox County Schools/Finance Dept., P.O. Box 314, Knoxville TN 37901, https://knoxdistrict.memberhub.com/store?limit=21&live=true or use the barcode.
I wasn't the best student and I didn't look forward to going to school, but Sgt. Barlow changed that for me. Whether he was teaching us military history or telling stories of his deployments in Vietnam he made JROTC class fun and interesting. He is greatly missed.
I only learned of this today. Sgt. Barlow was such an inspiration and mentor to me throughout my high school career in JROTC from 1992 to 1994. I find myself, to this day, utilizing his wisdom and remembering fondly his friendship. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and my most sincere gratitude that I am able to say that I knew him.
My most heartfelt condolences to his family. I remember him well from the JROTC program at Central High School in Cheyenne, WY. He was always good natured, helpful and an inspiration. I’ll see you on the drop zone, Sergeant Barlow!
My sincerest condolences to Lynn and Lynnelle. Bill was a wonderful kind man who always thought of others first. He was an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to meet him. He will be missed by all.
Love you dear Uncle, will miss you greatly but will forever will be your "mouse-meat", will continue to look after auntie lynn and please tell grandma i love her. Much Love, Michele
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for Mr. Barlow’s 21 years of service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or [email protected]. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Steve Young Lt Col, USAF, Ret Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Thank you for your service to our country. Also, thank you for instructing and encouraging others to follow you into military service to the benefit of the country. May you rest in peace! Condolences to your wife and family.
Thank you for your service to our country, and for instructing, and encouraging others to join the military serving our country, following your fine example! Rest in peace!