In Memoriam
Thomas Lee Barlow
1929-2021
Thomas Lee Barlow, 92, a longtime AACE International member and volunteer, passed away at League City, Texas at 8:07 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2021. He died peacefully in his sleep from congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and other health complications. He had been a resident at the Crossings in League City for four months. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Drury Barlow, and mother, Marion Virginia Hoagland Barlow, and by stepsons James and Spencer Taylor.
Tom was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and the family later settled in Houston, TX, where he graduated from Lamar High School and then from Baylor University in Waco, TX, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/biology.
As a cost accountant and project controller/scheduler, he worked for various engineering and petrochemical companies in Houston, Seattle, Denver, and Saudi Arabia. His longest tenure was at Brown & Root. He was proficient in various computer formats he learned from Primavera Systems, enjoyed sharing his expertise with others, and was respected for his knowledge and experience in the field. As a result, he delayed retirement and continued his career working on projects for Ensicon.
In 2002, Tom received the Honorary Life Member award for his service to AACE International, the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering. He was a committee member for the Martini International Pipeline Golf Tournament for 25 years. Tom was active in his community, serving over 5 years as director of the Mason Creek Utility District in Harris County, Texas. Additionally, he was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He achieved the rank of Life Scout as a youth and committed to sharing his love of scouting throughout his life, most notably by serving as Unit Commissioner and District Roundtable Commissioner for the San Gabriel District. He was especially proud to serve in Troop 151, Georgetown, TX with two of his grandchildren. While in Georgetown, Tom was a member of First United Methodist Church where he volunteered as an event photographer, a hobby he loved to share.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Novice Rita Barlow of Webster, TX. He is also survived by their daughter, Michelle Klein and her husband Erich of Houston, TX; his sons, Chris Barlow and wife Patti of Richmond, TX, and Jeff Barlow and wife Cindy of Corpus Christi, TX; his stepdaughter, Cindy King of Stuart, FL; as well as 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition, he will be remembered by many extended family members and friends who dearly loved him, especially his neighbor and dear friend Ron Bean who provided much assistance and support for both him and Novice for the past 10 years. The family also thanks all the staff at The Crossings in League City and the Divinity Hospice staff for their excellent care and compassion.
Funeral arrangements and interment were with the Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX. A graveside memorial service and celebration of life will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 15. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, Scouts of America, or the charity of one’s choice.
Life Membership Award — Shown above Allen C. Hamilton, CCP, AACE International President in 2000-2001, presents Thomas L. Barlow with a Life Membership Award at the 2002 AACE International Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon.
Old Friends Meet — Shown above Tom Barlow enjoys conversation with Robert E. “Bob” Templeton, PE, at the 2012 AACE International Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Templeton served as AACE President in 1971-1972.
The Barlow’s — Shown above are Novice and Tom Barlow. The two were fixtures at AACE Annual Meetings for years. This photo was at the 2007 meeting in Nashville, Tenn. At the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Former AACE Staff — Shown above at the 2012 AACE Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, are prior AACE Finance Manager Carol Rogers, Tom Barlow, and prior Director Education Charla Miller.
Old Friends Meet — Shown above Donald F. McDonald, CCP PSP, and Tom Barlow meet between sessions at the 2005 AACE International Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisianna.
Annual Meetings Committee — Shown above Tom Barlow and Trevor Crawford served for years as volunteers on the Annual Meetings Committee assisting with all the behind-the-scenes duties that provided for a smooth conference experience for attendees. This photo is from 2012 at San Antonio.
Photography Was His Passion — Shown above Brian Dunfield’s daughter stops to ask Tom Barlow a question about her camera. Photography was Tom’s hobby and he volunteered assisting staff in photographing Annual Meetings for years. This photo is from 2005 at New Orleans.
All Dressed Up — Prior Annual Meetings included themes for which attendees came appropriately dressed. Shown above at the 1997 Dallas, Texas Annual meeting are Robert McCullough and his wife Ann who volunteered for years with the Annual Meeting Committee; AACE President Nelson E. Bonilla, CCE, AACE President from 1996-1997, and Novice and Tom Barlow as Novice volunteered hosting a get together for the wives and family members of attendees at each Annual Meeting.
A 2005 Board Dinner — Shown above Novice and Tom Barlow enjoy socialization with Brian Dunfield at a 2005 AACE International Board of Directors dinner.
Networking — Shown above Edward D. Ham, PE CCE, AACE President in 1990-1991, and Tom Barlow and John A. Foushi, CCE, AACE President in 1981-1982, network, socialize, and enjoy established friendships at the 2003 AACE International Annual Meeting at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Orlando, Fla.
Tom and Novice were/are special people to Delores and me. They took us under their wings early in our time with AACE and were always a happy presence at AACE events. AACE’s Texas Mafia has lost a giant.
It is sad when a person like Tom passes as it takes one more of those mentors and foundation blocks from the association. Tom was a great supporter of AACE and could be counted on to help with whatever was needed. Tom was a friend, and he will not be forgotten.