Sam Hardy Barrow

Sam Hardy Barrow, 88, of Big Spring, died on Thursday, April 12, 2007, in a local hospital.

Memorial services were held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 16, 2007 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Augustine Ypina, Hispanic Minister, officiating.

Sam Hardy Barrow was born in Sweetwater to A. B. and Mary Hardy Barrow. He was raised in Northwest Texas and lived with his mother and grandfather, G. S. Hardy, a Methodist minister. He graduated from Clarendon High School when he was 17 and was appointed to West Point by test scores and the recommendation of his U.S. Congressional representative.

Upon graduation in the Class of 1941, Sam was posted to Puerto Rico. After that assignment, he went to U. S. Army Infantry School. Sam commanded the 34th Division in combat at the end of World War II. In 1956, he was the Senior KMAC Advisor to the General officers of the 3rd and 9th Korean divisions.

Sam also served tours in ROTC staffs at the University of Virginia, as USCONARC at Edgeworth Arsenal and Fort Sam Houston. Sam retired in 1969. Sam was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Occupation Medal, Amercan Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Cross di Guerra (Italy), National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and Cross for War Merit. He earned a Master’s Degree from William & Mary following retirement.

Sam then moved to Rockport. Sam married Mary D’olif in 1958 and had three children, George Michael, Mary Karen and Sam Dennis.

 After that marriage ended in divorce, Sam married Ruth Causey and had two sons, William Warren and Charles Christopher. He has eight grandchildren.

After Ruth’s death, Sam married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy “Pete” Powell. The couple moved to Big Spring where they lived until his death. “This marriage was the highlight of my life”, Sam was quoted. “We participated as volunteers in community activities and civic causes. We enjoyed our children and grandchildren and lived our lives as lovers and best friends.”

Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.