Kenneth David "Dave" Bartlow

Kenneth David “Dave” Bartlow, 79, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Memorial services will be held at a later date, and burial services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, with cremation services provided by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors of Amarillo.

Dave was born on August 14, 1946, to Don and Fredia Bartlow in Amarillo, TX. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1965 and later studied at College of the Desert before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1970 and was stationed at 29 Palms, California. During his years of service, he served in Vietnam and U.S. Embassies in South America and Madrid, Spain. Dave received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rifle Badge (Expert), Pistol Badge (Expert), and in his final few years in Recruitment. After serving in the military, he joined the Amarillo Police Department, where he served honorably. He later transitioned into construction, building residential, commercial, and government facilities until his retirement. Throughout his life, he was respected for the values of honor, strength, and dedication he carried with him.

Dave married Laina Burleson, June 22, 1985, and loved her for over 40 years. They attended San Jacinto Baptist Church, now Church at Quail Creek, where Dave served in many areas of construction of the Quail Creek property, equipment, and stage construction of various pageants and Security. He was a loyal husband, a caring father, a proud grandfather, and best friend. He cherished time spent with family, and his humor, warmth, and easy smile will be remembered by everyone blessed to share life with him. Dave loved working with his late wife, Laina, on home projects, remodeling nearly every house they lived in. He had a green thumb and spent his retirement years working out in the yard, planting beautiful plants and flowers. He created a space to enjoy from his rocker and deck. His loyal Golden Retriever, Rossi, always by his side, supervised while Dave worked in his shop, building or refinishing furniture pieces and other fun projects. Dave loved to keep busy and leaves us with beautiful reminders of his work.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Laina Bartlow; his parents, Don and Fredia Bartlow; and his sister-in-law, Susan Bartlow.

Survivors include his brother, Paul Bartlow of Wilmington, North Carolina; his children, Suzann O’Brien (Bill) of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Shawn Nelson of Fort Worth, TX, and Dr. Josh Nelson (Erin) of Amarillo and Summer Nelson of Fort Worth; his grandchildren, Kaleigh & Madalyn O’Brien, Noah, Lainie, Landri, Natalie Nelson, Deidre and Griffin Nelson; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Nelson. He is also survived by his dearest best friend and adopted daughter, Victoria Jimenez (Juan) of Amarillo, TX, and grandson, Jacob Tobar, and his Golden Retriever, Princess Rossi.

The family asks that donations be made in Dave’s memory to Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center, Attn Tim Reid, 4111 S Georgia St, Amarillo, TX 79110.

The family would also like to thank the incredible medical and nursing team at Thomas Creek VA Hospital, Clinic, and CLC Nursing Home, who cared for our dad. Your love, support, and dedication to not only Dave but our family were unwavering, and we could not have survived without you. We are so grateful for your love, kindness, humor, and attention that you paid to Dave every day without fail.