Robert Barrow

COLUMBIANA - Robert Souder Barrow, 86, a lifelong resident of Columbiana, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at the Hospice House in Poland from complications of pneumonia.

Mr. Barrow was born on May 14, 1923, in Columbiana, Ohio, the son of the late Alfred and Mabel (Souder) Barrow.

Robert was a 1941 Columbiana High School graduate, a 1942 graduate of Howe Military Academy, a 1948 graduate of The Ohio State University and worked as an engineer and Executive Vice President at the company his grandfather founded, the Columbiana Boiler Company, all his working life until his retirement in 1989.

He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbiana, where he served as an elder, deacon and choir member. He was a generous supporter of missions and charitable organizations. He served on the Board of Directors of Seneca Hills Bible Conference in Franklin, Pa., on the Board of Directors of the Chlorine Institute, and was a tenor voice with the Salem Jubilee Chorus.

Mr. Barrow served in World War II as an Army Corporal and liaison officer with the 11th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge and received the Bronze star. He was a member of the American Legion Post #290 of Columbiana for 64 years which was founded by his father, Alfred Barrow. Robert was a skilled woodworker, and an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Mr. Barrow is survived by his wife, Donna Jean (Thompson) Barrow, whom he married on June 9, 1951. He is also survived by one daughter, Susan (Patrick) Schmidt of Waxhaw, N.C.; one son, Alfred (June) Barrow of Greenwood, Ind.; four grandchildren, Emily (Marc) DeJeu, Nathan Barrow, Eric and Joy Schmidt; two great-grandchildren, Joseph and William DeJeu.

Robert was preceded in death by one sister, Janet Cottom.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbiana with the Rev. John Bartholomew officiating in the absence of the Rev. Scott Parker. Burial will be in Columbiana Cemetery where the American Legion Benjamin Firestone Post 290 will conduct a military honors service.

Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, at the Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana and one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. at the church on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that material contributions may be made to Seneca Hills Bible Conference in Memory of Bob Barrow, Box 288, Franklin, PA 16323.

Friends may visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to view this obituary, sign the guest register or send private condolences.

8/4/09