Lawrence Thomas Barlow died Oct. 3 at the age of 91.
He was born Nov. 2, 1932, in Roanoke, Va., to Doris (Carpenter) and Joseph Barlow. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Barlow, and is survived by his children, Susan Clark (John) and Robert Barlow, as well as three granddaughters, six great-grandchildren, and his sister, Linda Kroosz.
Barlow moved to Bedford at a young age, where he spent most of his childhood and adult life. There he met his future wife, and they were married in 1953. He was drafted into the U.S. Army later that year, serving in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to work as a carpenter for Hall and Sons.
In 1969 he began working for the town of Bedford as a machine operator until his retirement in 1989.
The couple moved to Eastham, Mass., in search of retirement, but instead Barlow began working for the Orleans Parks and Beaches Department. His family said it was more of a love of his work and carpentry than just a job. His carpentry skills were legendary, and many of his projects are in homes around Cape Cod.
He enjoyed fishing and boating and, in his later years, he also enjoyed painting.
While in Bedford, he spent a large portion of his days serving as a volunteer in the Bedford Fire Department. He served as a commissioner, second assistant chief, on the board of directors, and as foreman of his favorite truck, Engine 211. He joined the department in 1950 shortly after his 18th birthday, earning his lifetime member status in 1970. Barlow believed that serving in the department was one of his greatest accomplishments.
A burial service is to be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Mass., on Monday, Oct. 14, at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bedford Fire Department at bedfordfire.com, or Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore at fccns.org.