Aaron Barlow

Aaron James Barlow was born April 30,1968 to the union of Isaac J. and Barbara Barlow in Chicago, Illinois. Aaron was the eldest and first grandchild of the Simmons grandchildren (on his mother’s side). For years he was the only baby in the family and he was always well-dressed and spoiled rotten (smile). He took a lot of pride in his role as the eldest grandson and would often remind the younger sibling and cousins that they had to honor the “pecking-order” as he called it. As a baby he was affectionately called “C-ball” by his grandparents and that nickname stuck with him throughout his life. Although he was older than his two younger sisters, Dorian and Choyo, he loved them and they adored him.

Aaron moved to Covert, Michigan while in the third grade. In his later high school years, he shared his life with great-grandparents, Rev. Stanford and Callie Simmons, while also becoming their licensed chauffeur at an early age. He attended Covert Public Schools where he met and became friends with Dave Burton, Jr. and many other lifelong friends. He spent many days and evenings at the Burton family house and basketball court, where he gained his passion for basketball. While in high school, Aaron was an avid basketball player and was very competitive. He was always full of life, laughing and joking around. He graduated from Covert High School, class of 1986. After High School, Aaron attended Lake Michigan Community College and Western Michigan University.
Aaron was a loving son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather. Family was important to Aaron and he cared very deeply for his family. Anyone who knew Aaron, knew that he loved to dress nice, wear designer glasses and enjoyed cooking and eating good food. In the last several years, Aaron was keenly aware and very interested in studying national politics. At his time of death, Aaron was employed as a shift supervisor at LG Energy Solutions in Holland, Michigan.

Aaron departed this life on Friday, March 3, 2023. He was preceded in death by his father; Isaac Barlow, grandparents; James Barlow and Elnora Jackson, Lloyd James and Frieda Horsely, great grandparents; Rev. Stanford and Callie Simmons, two uncles; John Johnson and Tyrone Jackson, and cousin; Richard Jackson.

Aaron leaves to cherish his memory his Mother; Barbara A. Norman of Covert, MI, two sisters; Dorian Arica Gaines of Covert, MI and Choyo (Charles) Wilson-Daniel of Waterloo, IA, three children; Aurielle Barlow of Lexington, KY, Aarion Barlow of Kalamazoo, MI and Aaron Barlow Jr. of Kalamazoo, MI, four grandchildren; Auria Maggie Robinson, Asiah Johnson, Kartier Richard and Ca’Moni McFerrin, nieces; Erica McKind, Hannah Daniel and Olivia Daniel, two nephews; Christopher Gaines, Jr. and Dorreon (Elizabeth) Gaines, great-niece; Gracelyn Simmons Gaines and two great nephews; Levi Simmons-Gaines and Ezekiel Simmons-Gaines, uncles; Morgan Bailey Sr., Leo Simmons and Leland Simmons, aunts; Bobbie Sanders, Doris Collins, Diane Prather and Janet(Rev.Adrian) Massenburg, Antoinette Lloyd, God-Sons;Antwan Langston, Jalen Bolden, a host of cousins, relatives and lifetime friends.

A Wake will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Lily of the Valley Church, 30600 M-140 Covert, Michigan, 49043 from 11 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 12 p.m. Bishop Darryl Williams will officiate. Aaron will be Eulogized by Pastor Charles Daniel. Aaron will be laid to rest in Covert Cemetery. To view Aaron’s personal webpage please visit; www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.