Lawrence Barnhouse

Lawrence E. Barnhouse passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 6, 2018 in the presence of his loving family.

Larry was born on February 28, 1941 to Leonard and Myrtle Barnhouse in Darlington Township, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on completion of his high school studies. Larry's first four years in the Air Force were spent at Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX. He was assigned to the Civil Engineering Squadron as a Corrosion Control Specialist, or more simply, as a painter. He remained in the field until the final two years of a 20-year enlistment, at which time he became a training specialist. After serving at Dyess, Larry was stationed at bases in Roswell, New Mexico, Minot, North Dakota, Taiwan (during Vietnam), Wichita Falls, Texas, and Del Rio, Texas. He retired from the Air Force in 1981, having attained the rank of Master Sergeant, and serving in various leadership roles during the years.

During his early years in Abilene, Larry met the love of his life. He and Jo Ellen were married for almost 54 years. Together, they raised and loved four children. The family lived in Del Rio for a number of years after Larry's military retirement. He became manager of the Sherwin Williams paint store, a job he held for 13 years. Afterward, he operated his own painting business for several years. In 2002, Larry and Jo Ellen returned to Abilene, where they have resided since that time.

Larry cultivated many interests during his lifetime. He became a bowler during his service in Taiwan, and continued to be an active bowler throughout his life, participating as a member of a Tuesday evening league until the time of his passing. Not much could dissuade Larry from making it to bowling every week. Additionally, Larry loved to hunt deer. He established a deer camp, and enjoyed the time spent in his custom-made deer blinds with his son. Pretty nice hideout for father and son! Larry also became a skilled woodworker, having built several backyard structures and an assortment of small projects for grandchildren. He could always be counted on to show up to the annual church Missions Fundraiser event with some clever handmade items.

Larry's volunteer interests displayed his heart for serving others. In Del Rio, Larry worked as a volunteer with the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club, serving as President of the chapter for a time. In Abilene, Larry was actively involved in his church, and was always available to tackle a project if needed. He was ordained as a deacon, looking after the widowed ladies and faithfully serving the people of his church.

Undoubtedly, Larry's greatest achievements in his life involved his role as a brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Known as ‘Pops' to his family, he dearly loved, and was loved by his family and friends.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jo Ellen Barnhouse; his four children, Annette Baldwin and husband Wesley, Brenda Crump and husband Bill, John Barnhouse and wife Jennifer, Mary Gonzalez and husband Angel; grandchildren, Julia Barnhouse and husband Ben Gabrielsen, Jeffrey Baldwin and wife Janessa, Michelle Barnhouse, David Baldwin and wife Hailee, Blake Barnhouse, Alyssa Gonzalez, Joshua Crump, Aiden Gonzalez, and Elizabeth Crump; great granddaughter, Isabella Barnhouse; sister, Emma Hazelwood and husband Ed; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Myrtle Barnhouse; grandson, Jonathan Baldwin; eight brothers and one sister.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Elmcrest Baptist Church, 517 N. Pioneer Dr. Abilene, Texas. Interment will follow the service in Elmwood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local Boys and Girls Club.

Online Condolences may be shared through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 Hwy 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Elmcrest Baptist Church
517 North Pioneer Drive
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, January 11, 2018
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 Hwy 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606