Steven J. Barlow, 70, of Indianapolis passed away on October 30, 2025. He was born on October 20, 1955, in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Steven was known for his kindness, dry humor, open mind, and forgiving heart. Throughout his life, he enjoyed painting, drawing, beating you at tennis, and making impossible shots on the pool table. His fondest memories of his childhood were his time during lunch and after school with his paternal grandmother, Della. They spent countless hours together building a bond of love and trust he would pass to his son. While growing into a young adult, he attended Emmerich Manual High School and spent much of his time cruising around and having fun with his brother, Ron. After graduating high school, he joined the Army. He served during peacetime and was stationed in Europe. He greatly enjoyed the opportunity to see the world and spent much of his leave time enjoying local food and art.
He married his close friend, Teresa, in 1988 and had a son, Jonathan the same year. Although the marriage did not last, the two remained friends and worked together to raise their son in a loving environment. His son continues his father's passion for art and carries his forgiving nature close to his heart.
He was deeply devoted to showing love and kindness to those society often forgets. He was open about his struggles with addiction - working hard every day to help others and make up for lost time. He journaled often about his struggles and how the love and support of others and the Lord helped him become sober. He spent his final years living dutifully with his partner, Irene.
He is survived by his son Jonathan, his sister Tina, his brother Ron, and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother Tony, his sister Marla, his mother Barbara, his father Arnold and his beloved grandmother Della.
A visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan-Memorial Park, 9350 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN, 46229, from 1:30PM-3PM. A funeral service will begin, following the visitation at 3PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army or a recovery service of your choice, in his memory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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