JOHN BENJAMIN BARLOW

Ben Barlow was a truly remarkable man—brilliant, fearless, and deeply alive. Everything he did, he did well, and everything he loved, he loved with passion. He lived with integrity, believed fiercely in justice, and had a romantic soul that never lost its sense of adventure.

Ben was endlessly curious and exuberant about life. He approached the world with an adventurous spirit, always eager to explore new places and try new things. On any trip, he signed up for everything—surfing, parasailing, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, hiking, ziplining, rappelling, snorkeling—if there was an experience to be had, Ben was in. Long before it was mainstream, he was a pioneer of snowboarding and even owned one of the original snowboards. He loved the thrill of motion, speed, and discovery, and he brought that same enthusiasm into every corner of his life.

A natural debater with a sharp mind and quick wit, Ben was destined to be a lawyer. He loved to argue any point—sometimes even one he didn’t believe—simply for the joy of the discussion. After graduating from Vanderbilt and the University of Texas Law School, Ben practiced with Bracewell & Patterson in Houston before returning home to Fort Worth. Here, he practiced law for 25 years with Barlow, Garsek and Simon, focusing on school law and family law, and helped countless people along the way. One of the great joys of his professional life was working every day with his father, Jim, who was not only his mentor but his best friend.

Ben was guided by a deep sense of fairness and justice. He believed in doing what was right, standing up for others, and treating everyone with respect. His integrity was unshakable.

A born leader, Ben served as president of his class at Arlington Heights High School, president of his fraternity, and later as President of the Tarrant County Bar. People were drawn to him—for his brilliance, his humor, his kindness, and his easy acceptance of all people. He was a loyal friend and had many, many close friends who treasured him.

Ben was also known as one of the best poker players in Fort Worth. He could be found at almost any poker table in town and won numerous tournaments, including those at the Fort Worth Club, The Highlander, the Annual Barlow Family Reunion Poker Tournament, and many more. He even competed in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Many considered him the smartest guy in the room—and the one you least wanted to face across the table.

Travel was one of Ben’s great loves. As a young man, he stormed the beaches of Normandy on a bicycle, ran with the bulls in Barcelona, and spent a month studying at the Old Bailey in London. In later years, he especially cherished traveling with his family, creating lasting memories together in places like London, New York City, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Mexico, Hawaii, and many more.

At the center of Ben’s world was his family. His wife, Alice, was the love of his life, and together they shared a rare and beautiful bond. They supported one another fully, encouraged independence, celebrated each other’s passions, and took genuine joy in one another’s successes. Together, they built a life rooted in love, respect, music, laughter, and friendship.

Ben adored being a father. His children, Townes and Eleni, were the greatest joy of his life. He loved skiing and riding waves on boogie boards with Townes, and Eleni was his beloved go-to-girl in the garden. The two of them spent countless hours making sandcastles when at the beach and planting flowers and working side by side in the yard, a quiet joy they both treasured. Ben made sure his children always knew how deeply they were loved.

Music was another lifelong passion. Ben shared a special connection with Alice through music, and together they loved gathering with friends and family to play guitars and sing. They passed this love of music on to their children who loved to have sing-a-longs in the car and dance parties as they were growing.

Nine years ago, Ben suffered an anoxic brain injury. While this changed the course of his life, it remained rich with meaning, connection, and purpose. On any given day, you might find Ben bowling, working out at the Fort Worth Club, riding his one-wheeler through Park Hill or enjoying fish tacos at Fuzzy’s. Ben became part of a men’s group made up of other accomplished professionals who had experienced similar brain injuries, meeting twice a week to share stories, experiences, and friendship. Ben’s close friends organized a standing Tuesday lunch so he could stay connected to the people who mattered most. Ben was still moving through the world with determination, independence and joy.

Ben also found deep fulfillment volunteering at the 4Saints Food Pantry, where he affectionately became known as the “Egg Man.” With his great smile and steady kindness, Ben took special joy in handing each client their dozen eggs, making sure they left not only with food, but also with a moment of genuine human connection. In this chapter of his life—as in all others—Ben continued to show up, contribute, and offer warmth to everyone he met. His presence was a reminder that dignity, purpose, and generosity are not lost with circumstance.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Bruce Barlow; his brother, James Edward “Ned” Barlow; and his grandparents, Frada and Rupert Barlow, Louisa Wilson Haun, and J.T. Haun.

Ben is survived by his wife, Alice Pritchard; his children, Townes and Eleni Barlow; his mother, Karen Haun Barlow; his sister, Karen Barlow Parrish; his nieces Maggie Parrish and Caroline Barlow; his mother-in-law, Roberta Corder; his brother-in-law, Evan Pritchard; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him beyond measure.

Family and friends will gather from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, February 11, in the Great Room Harper & Lucas, formerly Robertson-Mueller-Harper, A Service at the Grave will be held at11 am Thursday, February 12, with a Memorial Service at 2 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3401 Bellaire Drive South.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ben Barlow Fund, The 4Saints Food Pantry or the charity of your choice.