Kenneth Elroy Barrow, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 77.
He was born on February 4, 1948, in Paris, Tennessee, son of Elroy and Mary Evelyn Barrow.
Kenneth is survived by his three loving daughters: De’Anna Barrow of St. Peters , Missouri, Anita “Nina” Burnes and her husband Brett of Dix, and Kendra Johnson and her husband Troy of Centralia. He was a proud grandfather to Adra Burnes, Nobel Burnes and his wife Elizabeth, Emmett Burnes and his wife Makayla, Elroy Burnes and his wife Jessica, Iris Johnson, Ivy Johnson, Sue Johnson, Solomon Johnson, Cedar Johnson, and Clay Johnson. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Malakhi, Aiyla, Millie, and one on the way, all of whom brought him immense joy in his later years;
Kenneth is also survived by his devoted sisters: Jane Friend of Centralia, Kay Tinsley and her husband Bob of Centralia, Sherri Lowery and her husband Dave of Centralia, Joyce Hart and her husband David of Woodlawn, Nancy Simpson and her husband Randy of Centralia, Cindy Barrow of Centralia, and Kim Moss and her husband Keith of New Memphis; several nieces and nephews; special family friends: Michelle Hennemann and JoAnn Barrow.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elroy and Mary Evelyn Barrow, infant twins: a brother and a sister, his brother-in-law, Jerry Friend, and longtime friend, Mike Williams.
Kenneth proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and later dedicated his professional life to the field of construction. Throughout his life, he remained passionate about his work and was known for his unwavering work ethic and craftsmanship.
A man with a zest for life, Kenneth was an avid fan of cards and bocce ball, always ready for a friendly game. For many years, he was a girls’ softball coach, where he taught many of the women in Centralia how to play. He was known for his humor and fondly gave nicknames to his family friends. Roger Downen along with his Wednesday night crew will deeply miss his camaraderie. Kenneth Barrow’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to be a part of his life.
Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the grandchildren’s education fund, checks payable to Kendra Johnson, and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Kenneth’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com at the Funeral Home Facebook Page.
