Jonathan Riley Barlow

Jonathan Riley Barlow passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at his home in D’Hanis, Texas, surrounded by family. 

Jon was born on January 28, 1944, to Thomas and Verine Finger Barlow in San Antonio, Texas. He attended school in both Texas and California where he developed immaculate handwriting and a love for American made V8s. 

After high school, he served as a Medic in the United States Air Force. Highlights of his career include over 24 hours airborne during the Cuban missile crisis, and nearly freezing to death trying to surf the waves at Shemya Air Force Base in Alaska. After his military service, he spent the next 10 years climbing the ranks in the banking world trying to support his automobile habit. Eventually, the politics became too much, and he decided to go play train. His railroad career started at the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which later became Union Pacific. He never quite got over the merger, but stayed on and retired after more than 30 years. 

He married his wife, Carol Baker, on August 25, 1978, and being a dad became the primary focus of his life. He instantly became a father to her 3 children, and they went on to have 2 more. The following 46 years were filled with school events, detour-laden road trips, and playing piano on Sunday mornings before going to St Paul Lutheran Church in Hondo, Texas. They had such a good time with the original 5 children, Jon and Carol became foster parents. Over 21 years, they fostered 66 children and adopted their 6th child. 

In 1982, Jon began a tradition of being Santa Claus for various Christmas events, including many years of service as Saint Nick with the D’Hanis Lion’s Club. He also had a natural talent with musical instruments, being able to play most instruments he picked up even though he never learned how to read music. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Verine, his son, Jon Mark Barlow, and his brother Tom Barlow. He is survived by his wife, Carol, their 6 children, John Portis, Troy Portis, Melissa Sanchez, Wesley Barlow, Justin Barlow, Starlet Barlow, and his brother James Barlow. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Friday, March 7, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., and concluding with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Services under the direction of Hondo Funeral Home