Nov. 2, 1944 - Nov. 28, 2015 EDMOND Michael was born in New York City Nov. 2, 1944, the only child of Blanche and Lothar Barlow. He came to Oklahoma to attend OU, met the love of his life and never left. Michael loved his family above all else. He treasured the fifty-two years of marriage with his beloved wife, Anita. As newlyweds, they looked at the night sky and he would say, "The stars are out tonight; that means I love you." The stars will shine for eternity. He and his sons were very close, both as business partners and as friends. Michael (Papa) also had a very special relationship with each of his four granddaughters, Baylea, Sadie, Rachil, and Lily. He also loved his daughters-in-law, Laura and Stacie, as though they were daughters. Michael was passionate about a great many things. He always loved teaching, from his beginnings at Grant High School to performing workshops and seminars for school administrators. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Educator's Hall of Fame in 2010. If you were to encounter Michael in any arena, you would find him to be a strong advocate and supporter of the causes and activities he held dear. Many knew him as a passionate supporter of the State of Israel, a voice for the OKC Jewish Community, a negotiator and education consultant, a teacher union leader, an improv comic, a snow camper and cross country skier, and the guy with the Moses beard. Michael and Anita loved traveling together around the globe, many times to Israel, but also to Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Hawaii and often New York City, where he grew up. Funeral Services will take place on Monday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. at Temple B'nai Israel, 4901 N. Penn in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gold Fund at Temple B'nai Israel or the YWCA Oklahoma City. Michael will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

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Published by Oklahoman from Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL BARLOW

51 Entries

Arthur Altshiller

November 23, 2024

It may not be well known, but in his freshman year
at OU, Michael tried out for the football team. He was a solid and strong athlete, but he did not make it as a walk on. He rather focused his efforts on academics and the AEPi fraternity. I was one of
his fraternity brothers. I was fortunate to get
to know him again in the last 10 years of his life.
He is fondly remembered and missed.

Dave Renfro

November 23, 2021

On this week of Thanksgiving, I remain forever grateful to you, Michael. You gifted me with your friendship and mentoring. You taught me much and stood by me as a measure to myself in good times and bad. Peace to you Michael. Love to Anita and the family you created.

Dave Renfro

November 23, 2020

Michael, it's hard to believe that it's now been five years since you passed. You were my mentor, colleague, teacher, inspiration, and most importantly, beloved and trusted friend. You remain alive in my thoughts and will forever occupy the space in my heart reserved for heroes. You opened so many doors for me and I am forever grateful. Even though I moved to Dallas 25 years ago, I continue feeling the same closeness to you and Anita as when we lived only a couple of miles apart in OKC. I miss you my friend.

Al Heitzer, Amos Stern, and Big Mikey Barlow in 2007 in NYC

Al Heitzer

December 12, 2019

Wow, four years since Mikey from Washington Heights in Manhattan, NY left this world after a very tough fight against cancer. I was so lucky to reunite with him about 7 years ago and meet his other half, Anita, as well. He, Steve, Les, and I were like the Four Horsemen of the Heights way back in the day. Grateful to have known and loved him as a brother. I will always miss him.

Arthur Altshiller

November 23, 2019

Mike was a leader among all of us. He brought AEPi and OU back into memory and reignited
our firendship in a 2008 joyful reunion. I think of him often.

Sharon Lease

November 23, 2019

I still miss MIchael as a friend and colleague! He was also so positive and visionary in his thinking and work as an outstanding educator.

Danielle Malick

January 1, 2017

I think of you so often. We miss you very much. Love, Danielle ❤

joni mabry

October 19, 2016

I know it is has been nearly a year since Michael has left his earthly home. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you! Michael was a wonderful and passionate man! I met him during the OKC teacher strike of '79. He taught us all well!

December 2, 2015

The world has lost a beautiful person who made such a difference in so many peoples lives.my condolences to the family and the world.
Rhonda Goode

Eddie Makler

December 2, 2015

Anita,

We have known each other over 60 years(what are we going to do when we grow up)
Mike was a great person and was very lucky to be married to you.

You know I am thinking about you and have great memories of Mike

Grant Moak

December 2, 2015

Dear Anita, I was so very saddened at the news of Michael's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Samantha Solomon-Timmons

December 1, 2015

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy."

I was lucky enough to call Mickey (that's what my family calls him) my Godfather. He will always hold an enormous spot in my heart. I was fortunate enough to visit Mickey and Anita this summer and have them meet my son for the first time. I will forever be thankful for that trip and those memories we shared. The life lessons, values, and love Mickey showed me has impacted my life more then I can describe. My thoughts, prayers and love are with Anita and the family.

Johannah Luza

December 1, 2015

Anita, I am so sorry for your loss. It truly was an honor to know Mike. May G-d grant you peace during this most difficult time.

Roxie McBride

December 1, 2015

Anita, I am so sorry for your loss. I understand what you are going through and will keep you and your family in my prayers. I, along with everyone else, thought the world of Mike.

Laney Spear

December 1, 2015

Iman

Carol Berry

November 30, 2015

Anita, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. May you feel the comforting arms of God around you.
Warmest regards, Carol Berry

Gloria Abella Ballen

November 30, 2015

Our sincere condolences to each one in the Barlow family. We have you in our hearts. Michael's memory will be a blessing. He was such a mensch. I remember his happiness traversing the map of Israel on the floor at the Temple in OKC. Everyone was touched by the beauty of Michael's love for Israel and his community.

Amber Villines

November 30, 2015

Alan, Lou & family
Thinking of you! I absolutely loved your Dad and enjoyed seeing him at all the education events around The State! I will miss his smile and hugs! I'm so very sorry for your loss! What a great man!

June Strate Welling

November 30, 2015

My sincere condolences to all the family. I taught with Michael from 1967 to 1974 at U. S. Grant High School in the Business Education Department under Mr. Clarence Huffman, principal. Mike was one of my favorite colleagues. We spent a lot of time together on committees. My fond memories of him are fresh in my mind.

Gary Opper

November 30, 2015

Pam and I were devastated to hear of Michael's death. Our love and prayers to Anita and all the Barlows. He was a giant.

Janice Threlkeld

November 30, 2015

Mike Barlow was my bookkeeping teacher in 1970 and was always making jokes in class and making our time go back faster. But he knew his field and I walked away a better person because of learning from him. He will be missed.

November 30, 2015

Anita,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We remember you and Mike attending our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Jean and Gerald Krows

November 30, 2015

The service today was a wonderful tribute to the goodness of Michael Barlow. He will be missed. Thank you to the Barlow family for sharing his life with the rest of us.
Nancy Travers

Arthur & Carol Altshiller

November 30, 2015

Mike was a fraternity brother, wonderful friend and a man who I will deeply miss.
I am in awe of his accomplishments and his love for everyone and everything connected to OU. We had the good fortune to spend time with Mike and Anita in July. Both Carol and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Anita and to their children and grandchildren. Mike was a leader among men who always pointed towards the positive and tried to make the world a better place. He will always remain an inspiration to me and my wife Carol.
Rest in Peace my friend.

Judy O'Sullivan

November 30, 2015

Michael and I went to elementary school together in NYC. I remember him as a loving and caring person who had a wonderful smile. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family

Kimberly Sanders

November 30, 2015

My thought and prayers are with the Barlow family.

Kimberly Hawkins Sanders

Joe Bob and Melody Wright

November 30, 2015

We would like to extend our sympathy to the Barlow family. Mr. Barlow was a teacher that will be remembered by many of us US Grant Generals. We were both Class of '76 graduates and have fond memories of Mr. Barlow both as a coach and a teacher. He always kept a positive outlook even when the school was experiencing much strife. Mr. Barlow brought out the best in everyone he was associated with. It was amazing that anyone we came in contact with who knew him, felt the same as we did--a great guy who loved people and life! Prayers extended to Mr. Barlow's loved ones and friends.

mikk mcdonald

November 30, 2015

Mr. Barlow was my bookkeeping teacher in l969. He was responsible for getting me my first job out of highschool. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor to so many students. Prayers to his family.

US Grant Reunion 2014

Tanya Gentry

November 30, 2015

This man absolutely changed my life. He was the first person who encouraged me to believe in myself. He was our Human Relations teacher and made me one of the first women in Oklahoma to letter in Men's Cross Country as a team manager. He gave me so much, I can never thank him enough. I am so glad he came to our High School Reunion and I got to talk with him. Thank you Mr. Barlow, you were a blessing to all of us!

Sheldon Buxton

November 30, 2015

Louis and family:

I had the pleasure to know and work with Mike and also visit him last week. It was my distinct pleasure to have been his friend. My prayers are with all of you in this time of loss. May the peace of God reign supreme in your hearts.

Sheldon Buxton

Johnny Trusley

November 30, 2015

One of my favorite teachers at USG in 1972
Rest in Peace Mr. Barlow

Dennis Currington

November 30, 2015

Anita our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time of your personal loss and grief.
May you experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit as you share fond memories of Michael's life and legacy.
Our heartfelt condolence.
Blessings,
Dennis & Rebecca Currington

Mary Austin

November 30, 2015

Laura and Louis,
I taught in Oklahoma City and Mike Barlow
was wonderful for the teachers. Also, our
daughter and son-in-law lived next door to
you when our grandson Austin was born.
You were wonderful neighbors and friends.
Louis, you dad left a rich legacy for all of us.

Dave Renfro

November 30, 2015

Very few have influenced my life more than my mentor and friend, Mike Barlow. His influence on my life cannot be condensed to words alone. I mourn with his family and an entire community of people who know and love him.

Julie Miller

November 30, 2015

Alan and Lou: Michael was a great person and I enjoyed working with him over the past many years. Thoughts are with you, your Mom, and your families.

November 30, 2015

I was deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Mr Barlow. He was my favorite teacher of all time. He was smart and fun to be around. He always came to our reunions and would remember me. After reading all his accomplishments I understand why he was so special. I offer the family my condolences. You had a special husband and dad. I am sure you knew that. My thoughts and prayers will be with your family this morning. God Bless you for sharing a special man during my high school years. Rebecca Johnson/Palmer Class of 73

Miki (Arpita) Brown

November 30, 2015

My husband and I have a warm fondness for Michael and Anita. Many yrs ago they had us over for a Seder even though we were not close friends. We will always remember his sweet and kind demeanor.

November 29, 2015

Michael was a great friend. He will be missed. He did so much for education in Oklahoma and helped so many during his life time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Anita, and all the family!
Sharon Lease

Lee Ann Hamm Townsend

November 29, 2015

Mr Barlow was one of my favorite teachers during a time that I didn't even want to attend school. It was right after the riots at Grant Highschool. He made me feel safe and he also had us look at each other from a differenent point of view. I remember him for "having us move out of our comfort zone" Even though his classroom consisted of beanbag chairs :) I learned many life skills from this man and I am thankful for him being a part of my life! My prayers are with his family!

Maggie Pitt-Helm

November 29, 2015

My deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Maggie Pitt-Helm

November 29, 2015

Condolences to the family. My wife & I had Mr. Barlow our senior year in high school at US Grant. He was a kind, gentle, soul who challenged us to be better human beings. After 41 years of marriage, we can say we are better for having met Mr. Barlow.

Susan Aluzri

November 29, 2015

Michael Barlow made a difference in the lives of everyone he touched including mine as a student in his Human Relations class at Grant High School in 1974. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed by so many.

November 29, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss. May God comfort. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Bill and Sandy Hodges

November 29, 2015

Deepest condolences to the family. There are so many good memories when we think of Michael. He was a loving, kind, generous man who put his faith and his family above all else. He was a loyal friend to Bill and to me. Bill loved working with him, solving problems and going to the coffee shop with him to just relax and talk. One memory is sharing in the 40th celebration of his marriage to Anita. They recreated their vows in such a beautiful way. Another was when he invited us and some other neighbors into their home for the traditional Passover meal. That meant a lot that he wanted to share something so special with us. We will miss him so very much. Bill and Sandy Hodges

Mark Lobo

November 29, 2015

Our memory of all the wonderful service and support Michael provided the Oklahoma Israel Exchange is a true blessing. He provided the energy and enthusiasm that enabled OKIE to grow to the valuable organization it is today.

He will be missed, but he continues to provide inspiration.

U.S. Grant 1968/1969

Donna Moore

November 29, 2015

Picture from U.S. Grant 1968/1969 Yearbook: Mr. Micheal Barlow, General Business, Recordkeeping and Bookkeeping 1. Mr. Barlow was my Bookkeeping teacher in my Senior Year 1968/1969 at U.S. Grant High school. I remember him being very young and made Bookkeeping very interesting. Since I enjoyed Mathematics/Algebra already, this course intriduced me the world of Accounting which I successfully pursued within the Federal Government. I truly thank Mr. Barlow for becoming a teacher and sharing his knowledge. I graduated from U.S. Grant in the spring of 1969 and that was the last time I saw him. Gone but never forgotten. My deepest condolences to his extended family.

Itzik Levin

November 29, 2015

Great person to be around will miss you!

Rex Tullis

November 29, 2015

A great personal friend. He will be missed.

Bob Powell

November 29, 2015

Anita and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was among the most treasured friends of our lives. We met when we taught and coached football together at U.S. Grant, and then we took different routes to improve the schools we loved so much. Mike went into Union work, and I became an administrator. Even then we found we had the same ideals and similar goals, and we worked well together. He was an exceptional person and I have many good memories of our time together.
Sincerely, Bob and Frances Powell

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