Emmett G. Barrow

1936 - 2021

To the newcomer to Conroe, the name will mean nothing, but Old Conroe- old-timers who were around in the forties, fifties, and sixties in Conroe- they will be saddened to learn that Emmett Barrow has died.

Like Mark Twain who came in on Haley's comet and went out on Haley's comet, Emmett came into this world on the 27th of September 1936, and went out on his birthday, the 27th of September 2021. He was 85 years old.

Emmett and his brother Stevie (who was involved in a bad auto accident with his caregiver, Cheryl Phillips and are both still recovering from long-term health issues) were well-known figures growing up in Old Conroe in the forties and fifties riding their Schwinn bikes around town. They grew up on South Pacific St, in Conroe along the railroad tracks. Emmett and Stevie never met a stranger and make personal lifelong friends with the wealthy, the poor, and the "movers and shakers" of the community.

As adults, Emmett worked for many years at Meador's Humble Service Station in Willis, while Stevie made a career of working in grocery stores in Conroe, working his last job at HEB well into his late sixties.

Growing up Emmett went from riding his Schwinn bike to driving pick-ups, but Stevie stayed with his bike as his mode of transportation his entire life. Stevie was a common fixture for over sixty years riding his bike around Conroe. One could say that Stevie was ahead of time by avoiding automobiles and being "green" by riding a bike, before it became popular.

Emmett's last name "Barrow" also created a note of interest. Here again, the name "Barrow" would have no special meaning to the newest Texans, but to the older Texans, the name has a special ring to it. Emmett's uncle was Clyde Barrow, one of the most notorious outlaws to ever roam Texas.

Legend has it that Clyde Barrow visited his relatives in Conroe several times, meeting under a bridge on FM 2854 that is still standing today, rusting away with time.

Finally, one story about Emmett and Stevie when they were teenagers. Some young bike racers from Houston showed up in Conroe one Saturday with their ten-speed bikes looking around town for someone to race against. Someone told them they needed to race the Barrow brothers, Emmett and Stevie. The boys were found, and they agreed to a race. So, there you have it- the Houston racers wearing their biking outfits, with their helmets, spandex shorts, biking shoes, and their sleek 10-speed bikes. Then you had Emmett and Stevie-barefooted, their jeans rolled up to their calves and in white t-shirts standing next to their old beat-up heavy Schwinn's. They all mounted their bikes, and the race was on. It was no contest, Emmett, and Stevie, with their strong legs built up over the years of riding old bikes, left their opponents in a "cloud of dust." There are other stories, but we will stop here.

Emmett's smile and laughter could light up a room. If you knew him, you know this is true!

Emmett was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Norine E. (Newman) Barrow; and his brother, James "Bo" Barrow, Jr.

He is survived by family: Dear brothers, Stevie Barrow and longtime caregiver, Cheryl Phillips, and Darrel "Yogi" Barrow and Morganne Reed and their daughter, Marissa; and his special companion and dearest friend, Donna Wilson. Emmett is also survived by longtime friend, Jesse Powell and all his "coffee buddies" as well as a host of other dear special friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, in The Chapel at Conroe Funeral Directors at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Bob Seal officiating. Interment will follow in Willis cemetery. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the funeral service beginning at noon. Masks required, please.