Don Adin Barlow

Don A. Barlow, 86, of Sarasota, FL He was born November 20, 1928 in Elyria, Ohio and graduated to Glory at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, Florida on May 24, 2015. A 1946 graduate of Elyria High School, he had a lifelong love affair with classical music and played French horn in many orchestras and bands, including the 122nd Army Band out of Fort Benning, Georgia. Not old enough to join the Army during World War II, Don served in the Ohio National Guard and transitioned to the US Army, including long cold months in Korea during the Korean War. He was a journeyman carpenter, cabinet maker and small business owner in Ohio. He was a Christian, a lifelong Republican, a wordsmith and a grammar cop. His loves included peanut butter, chocolate, NASCAR, super modified racing, red heads, really awful puns, and cats. With a delightful sense of humor, a quick wit and an amazing recollection of facts, he was also a Life Member of MENSA. He was Google before Google. His greatest gift was being a true listener, not to mention a faithful keeper of all secrets entrusted to his care.

In 1988, he finally made the permanent move to a warm climate and began enjoying the Sarasota area beaches with his wife, Phyllis M. Casey Barlow, until her death in 2000. Phyllis was a stroke survivor and his tender care for her at home for 12 years is an example of Christian love and obedience to their vows.

Don is survived by his daughter, Jone Barlow Weist, who cared for him at his home for the past three years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Lynn Barlow, his parents, Don Adin Barlow, Sr., and Ella A. Watkins Barlow. His wife, Phyllis, died just before their 50th wedding anniversary. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Lois E. Rieth and Rose Mary Nichols, and his son-in-law John A. (Jack) Weist.

On Monday, June 1, 2015, friends will be received at 10:30 am at Sawyer Road Baptist Church, 5055 Sawyer Road in Sarasota. The service will begin at the church at 11:00 am, followed by lunch in the fellowship hall. Entombment will be at Gulf Pines Memorial Park, 2401 Englewood Road (SR776) in Englewood, Florida, and will include military honors at 2:30 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested for two No Kill shelters: Cat Depot, 2542 â€" 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234 and/or The Bruno Foundation (dogs) PO Box 172805, Tampa, FL 33672.