Scottish Rite Express

Valley of Des Moines ---------------------------------- Orient of Iowa

April 18, 2015

Harry Staunton Barrows 

(1923-2015)

Harry Staunton Barrows was born in 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died on April 16 of congestive heart failure at his residence at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale. 

 

Harry grew up in Philadelphia and was the valedictorian of his high school senior class. He attended Princeton University but while attending Princeton, the United States entered World War II. Harry joined the Army to serve in Europe as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry. It was during this time that he met the first love of his life, "Johnny" (Viturah) who was serving in France as a military nurse. They married after the war and their 3 children, Jeff, Paul and Carl, survive them. 

 

After the war, Harry completed his degree in history at Princeton. He then entered the insurance business and ultimately became a partner and Senior Vice President at Holmes Murphy and Associates. He served as a leader in the insurance community of Des Moines, and was very involved in the Masons and Scottish Rite. Harry was a 56-year member of Moingona Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. He received the DeMolay Legion of Honor (Honorary) for his work with Masonic youth but Harry saved a majority of his Masonic time and efforts for the Scottish Rite. He served as the Wise Master of Chapter Rose Croix and was Master of Kadosh. He was elected a Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1971 and a 33rd degree Inspector General (Honorary) in 1977. In 1987 Harry was elected an active 33rd degree Inspector General and became Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the State of Iowa and Member of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.He held that position for 14 years. 

 

Harry lost his first love when Johnny died in 1988. He later married Betty (Betsy) Franz and she preceded him in death in 2005. He also had a short but special relationship with Margaret Cassell until her death in 2007. Harry loved to hunt and spend time outdoors. He also loved his family. In addition to his 3 sons, 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren survive him. They will all miss him greatly. 

 

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 20 at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines. 

 

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Salvation Army of Des Moines and to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines.

 

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Shane A. Harshbarger, 33°

Secretary/Registrar