Richard Pierce Barlow, 77, of Weston, Louisiana, died on July 17, 2021. Per his wishes, his final days were spent surrounded by friends and family at his home which he always referred to as "The Hill".
A lover of his home state, Richard was born September 24, 1943, in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He attended school in Springhill, Walker, Jonesboro, and after to moving to Weston, he graduated from Weston High School as the valedictorian of the Class of 1961. He graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (LA Tech University) in 1965 with a Bachelor's in Forestry.
A man that adored wildlife and nature. he curated a successful 40 years in the forestry industry. Richard acquired numerous faithful and memorable friendships with co-workers and business associates during his professional years. His career took him from Louisiana, to South Carolina, to Georgia, then back home again to settle on "The Hill" for his last 42 years. Richard was a member of the Society of American Foresters and Louisiana Forestry Association. He served on several committees and board of directors for LFA. He was a man known for his detail and precision, and could grow a seedling and spot a high yield pine plantation blindfolded.
Richard was fortunate to have collected friends, family, and historical treasures from across the United States as he became quite the ancestry buff in his retirement years. From refurbishing farm tools that were over 100 years old, to researching his family history archives, he loved discovering new documents and photos as far back as the pre-Civil War period.
Always the dedicated husband and father, Richard could work harder than a mule on a hot Louisiana summer day and still have time to offer assistance to a neighbor who needed a hand. Honest, hard-working, and honorable work were always a guarantee when it came to his life. His final earthly prize was meeting his first great grandson, Connor.
Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nellie Tyler Barlow of Weston, LA; 3 children, Rick Barlow (Amy) of Weston, Louisiana, Dallas Barlow (Gladys) of Tomball, Texas, and Caryn Barlow Jenkins (Devin) of Stonewall, Louisiana; 7 grandchildren, Breann Singleton (Kody), Dakota Barlow, Noah Barlow, Malaika Barlow, Josiah Barlow, Pierce Jenkins, Addison Jenkins, and 1 great grandchild, Connor Singleton; 2 siblings, Janette Barlow Coy of Kawanee, Illinois, and Dennie Barlow of Jonesboro, Louisiana.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Fowler Barlow, father Lionel Pierce Barlow, and sister Myra Barlow.
Special thanks to his loving and charitable caregivers at North Louisiana Regional Hospital, Ochsner LSU Hospital, Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital, and especially Legacy Hospice. It would be impossible to name each individual that blessed him in care during this time. Even though his last few days were challenging, those days were made much more manageable because of the special care given to him by so many angels in disguise.
Friends and neighbors may visit with the family at Southern-Edmonds Chapel 5:00-8:00PM Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Funeral services will be held 2:00PM Wednesday at the chapel with Reverend Geary Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Midway Cemetery near Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Honoring Richard by serving as pallbearers will be Chuck Claxton, Kent Hightower, Daniel Hightower, Keith Walker, Joey Neatherland and David Maxey.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Richard to the Louisiana Forestry Association, 2316 S MacAuthur Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301; Teen Challenge, 411 E. California Ave, Ruston, LA 71270; Weston High School Alumni Association, c/o 213 Hwy 505, Jonesboro, La. 71251.
(Obituary taken from www.edmundsfuneralhome.com)