Original instructor of Pierce Agricultural College for Men dies

Original instructor of Pierce Agricultural College for Men dies

John “Jack” Barlow, an original instructor of the Pierce Agricultural College for Men died Dec. 4. He was 93.

Barlow was hired in 1947 and retired in 1985.

While Barlow instructed Animal Science courses, he formed the Pierce College Rodeo Team, which held an annual rodeo show with Barlow as their team leader.

Also, Barlow was a Livestock Judging Coach when the Pierce College Farm held competitions.

During that time, Barlow founded the first Pierce College Intercollegiate Rodeo, which competed annually for two consecutive days and attracted up to 10,000 spectators in past years.

After Barlow’s retirement, the tradition he began in 1956 continued for an additional 12 years.  

The rodeo show ran from 1956-1997.

Graveside services for Barlow will be held at West Line Cemetery on Sunday, December 16, 2017 at 10 a.m.

Barlow’s wake reception will follow immediately and will be held at his nephew Gary Gillespie and his wife Denise Gillespie’s residence.