Claude Norton Barrow, age 90, born September 27, 1934 in Marilla, N.Y., passed away Monday evening, January 13, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, Ill., with family by his side, and Peg, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, holding his hand.
Claude grew up in Marilla, the son of Claude and Lois, nee Kelsey, Barrow. As a teenager, he met his future wife, Phyllis Geise, while attending church; they married May 11, 1956 in Buffalo, N.Y. He graduated from the University of Buffalo, and earned his Masters degree from Webster University.
Claude served in the US Air Force from 1958-1984 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. His many military decorations include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. Lt. Col. Barrow retired in 1984 from Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Claude was an active part of the O’Fallon community, particularly the Okaw Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America, and served as Scout Executive for Boy Scouts Black Hills Area Council. He later served at the BSA National Headquarters in Texas. He impacted the lives of many young people through his mentoring and leadership roles in Scouting. He was a member of the O’Fallon Kiwanis Club, volunteered with USO to support our troops, and ushered at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Claude loved the O’Fallon community and all the local relationships he fostered over the years. He was a long-time member of the O’Fallon First United Methodist Church.
In September 2024, Claude and Peg celebrated their 90th birthdays together, gathered with their children and grandchildren. After dinner and many good stories of remembrance, Claude gave a speech that will long be remembered by his family. He spoke of God’s goodness in giving him, and them, the gift of Peg. He ended his speech reminding them all that God, in His grace, was taking care of them all.
Now, in that same grace, God has gathered Claude home to heaven, not by Claude’s goodness, but by the mercy of Jesus. He was, and is, a sinner redeemed by Christ. It’s no wonder that he was helped greatly in his final weeks by listening to, and singing, many of the Gospel hymns he had known since childhood.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Lois (Bob) Brake, and granddaughter Abigail Burdick.
Surviving are his wife Phyllis “Peg” Barrow, of O’Fallon; children David (Nancy) Barrow of Tolland, Conn., Mark (Gan) Barrow of Yukon, Okla., and Kathy (Mike) Burdick of Effingham, Ill.; siblings, Fay (Manny) of Buffalo, N.Y., Kay (Bob) of Belleville, Ill. Grandchildren Justin Barrow, Jakob Barrow, Kelsey Barrow, John Barrow, Robert Barrow, Nate Burdick, Ammon Probst, Ben Burdick, and great-grandchildren Quintin, Kennedy, Elliot, Hank, Knox, Marci, Eden, Anthony, Josiah.
The Barrow family kindly requests that no flowers, plants or gifts be sent, but much prefers memorial donations in memory of Claude Barrow be directed to one of his favorite local organizations: O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, O’Fallon Boy Scout Troop 46, Kiwanis Club of O’Fallon, or the O’Fallon Community Food Pantry.
Visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:30 am, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269, followed by a funeral service to begin at 11:30 am, with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at O’Fallon City Cemetery, O’Fallon, Ill.
