Barlow, John Spencer

John Spencer Barlow, 82, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Dec. 31, 2012, in his home following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories.

John was born Dec. 23, 1930, in Cedar Rapids to Arthur and Mildred (Lamey) Barlow. John attended prep school at Viewpoint School in Amenia, N.Y. He graduated from Coe College in 1958 with a degree in business. While at Coe, John was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, participated in the ROTC program, was manager of the football team, and a member of the Clan of “C.” John worked for Merchants National Bank of Cedar Rapids, was president of Barlow-Moon Dry Cleaners, and president of Barlow Land Co.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary-Jane; his daughters, Elizabeth Barlow Putnam (Jeffrey) and Susan Barlow Toll; and his four grandchildren, Carrine and Grant Putnam and Alexander and Bridget Toll.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, James Arthur Barlow.

John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Cedar Rapids Country Club. He was associated with the Rotary Club for 40 years and served on the committee of the Hawkeye Area Council Boy Scouts.

John was fascinated by history, science and space travel, and relished in making his four grandchildren giggle. He spent his summers at his favorite Adirondack lake in upstate New York, and his winters in Colorado.

Friends are encouraged to give memorial donations in John's name to the American Cancer Society, First Presbyterian Church of Cedar Rapids and Iowa Public Television.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Jan. 5, 2013 in The Gazette