Rodney Terrell Barrows, age 73, passed away June 20, 2013 at Westy Community Care Home, Westmoreland, Kansas. He was born on September 25, 1939 in Ness City, Kansas the son of Donald and Beula Wykoff Barrows.

Rod was a farmer-stockman his entire life, and retired from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment as a Livestock Waste Management Specialist in southwest Kansas. Rod was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and was involved in many local and regional horse activities. He enjoyed traveling across the United States with his sons showing horses and beef cattle. He enjoyed attending livestock shows for years to follow. Rod most enjoyed his work as Chair of the Kansas 4-H Horse Board.

Rod was an active member of the Ness County Farm Bureau Association and Kansas Farm Bureau, having been honored as the Kansas Farm Bureau district leader of the year. He served on the KFB Marketing Committee and 2002 KFB Farm Bill Task Force. Rod was recognized as an Eagle Scout, and served as an Assistant Scout Leader during his sons' scouting careers. He was selected for and completed Wood Badge, the highest level of adult scout leader training. Rod enjoyed his service on the Board of Directors for the Bazine State Bank.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Ness City. He served on both local fair and extension boards. Rod spent years officiating high school basketball and football games, and judging horse shows. He and Alita enjoyed attending high school and K-State sporting events.

Rod's last years were spent in his most cherished role as caregiver to his wife of 52 years, Alita. Rod Barrows was blessed with many close friends, but none more treasured than his first and last best friend, his brother, Brad.

On September 2, 1961 he married Alita Wells in Scott City, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include his two sons, R. Scott "Bronc" Barrows, WaKeeney and R. Todd Barrows (Janet), Manhattan; one brother, Brad Barrows (Tricia), Lee's Summit, Missouri; and 4 grandchildren, Tara Ann Mahoney, Jordan Breit, Rachel McPherson, and Ethan McPherson.

Funeral service will be Monday, June 24, 2013, 11:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church, Ness City with burial in the Ness City Cemetery.

Friends may call on Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with the family present from 2 -4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to the Kansas 4-H Foundation for Horse Program support or to the United Methodist Church, Ness City.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by clicking on the "Sign Guestbook" link above.