Michael Wayne Barlow

Michael Wayne Barlow, son of Wayne Eugene and Beverly Jean Francka Barlow, was born Feb. 1, 1960, in Springfield, Mo. He departed this life Monday, April 25, 2011, in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Mo., at the age of 51 years, two months, and 24 days, after a courageous battle with cancer.

On July 18, 1997, Mike was united in marriage to Lucinda Ann "Cindy" Forkner, and together they have shared the past 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Irene Francka; and his paternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Barlow.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Cindy, of the home; his three children, Whitney Anderson and husband, Jacob, of Seymour, Mo., Johnathon Barlow and his girlfriend, Kayla Lansdown, and Madison Leigh Barlow, all of Seymour, Mo.; his parents, Wayne and Beverly Barlow, of Seymour, Mo.; his special friends, Phyllis Hensley, Marilyn Mingus and Terry Penner; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.

Mike was raised in Seymour and was the valedictorian of the Seymour High School Class of 1978. Mike was also a graduate of Southwest Missouri State University in the Class of 1982, where he received his bachelor of science degree in accounting.

After receiving his degree, Mike went to work for John Reynolds as an accountant for a short period of time. He spent most of his life working as a commercial furniture salesman until his declining health forced him to retire.

Mike had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 40 and was a dedicated member of the Seymour Church of the Nazarene. He had a passion for the youth ministry in his church and worked with them as much as possible. Mike also served his church and community as a district licensed pastor.

He was involved with many other aspects of his hometown, and was currently serving on the board of directors for the GSAF, as well as the Hope Center at the time of his death. Mike had also served in various capacities on the Seymour RII Board of Education, and board of directors for the ROCC, and had served as past president of the Seymour Booster Club.

Mike was a loving husband, father, son, and friend, and was a faithful servant of the Lord. Although his time here on Earth was short, the good deeds and thoughtful actions he has done throughout his life will be remembered forever in the lives of those he has touched.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 28, in the Seymour Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Mark Terrill officiating, assisted by the Revs. Steve Wierman, Gary Dedmon, and Derek Terry.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until service time, Thursday, in the church.

Burial will follow in the Seymour Masonic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Seymour Church of the Nazarene Youth Department in care of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 366, Seymour, MO 65746.

Online condolences may be left at www.holmanhoweseymour.com