Dr. Brian Charles Barlow
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Dr. Brian Charles Barlow ’78, ’83, ’84 of Indianapolis, formerly of Bedford, Indiana, passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Belinda; his daughter, Grace, and son-in-law, Jordan. He is also survived by his siblings, Steven (Sandy) Barlow, Lou Ann (Gregg) Morelock, Sherri (Paul) Robbins, Lori (Robert) Eaker; and stepfather, David Griffin.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles “Labon” Merle Barlow and Doris Jean Barlow Griffin. Brian graduated from Bedford High School in the Class of 1974 where he excelled in baseball, basketball, marching band, and academics.
He received his Bachelor of Arts from Anderson College (Anderson University), where he met his wife, Belinda, in 1978. Brian continued his studies at the School of Theology located on the Anderson College campus, receiving his ordination as a Minister of the Church of God in 1983 and completing his Master of Arts and Religion and Master of Divinity in 1983 and 1984, respectively.
While he was a student at Anderson College, Brian had the opportunity to travel worldwide, including trips to The Holy Land, Japan, and Africa. One of Brian’s most honorable accomplishments was receiving his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992. While studying at Emory, he was awarded the Bobby Jones Scholarship and studied abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Brian was an active member of The American Academy of Religion and The Soren Kierkegaard Society, where he regularly presented papers at their annual international conferences.
One of Brian’s most treasured academic pursuits were spending many summers with his family researching at The Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
Following his graduation from Emory University, Brian held the position of professor of philosophy at Brenau University for 10 years, before returning to his alma mater, Anderson University, where he taught religion, philosophy, and Christian ethics as a tenured professor from 2006–2017.
In his final years, Brian returned to his true passion of research, studying the works of his favorite scholars, including Soren Kierkegaard and Karl Barth.
Brian was a deeply devoted husband and father, always calling his family his “pride and joy.” He cherished time with his daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Jordan, and was greatly anticipating the arrival of his first grandson in July 2021.
Some of his most treasured pastimes included trips to Brown County and Spring Mill State Park, watching the Reds, and enjoying quiet evenings in Grace and Jordan’s backyard.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.