Kevin Barlow was a new friend of Monica Miller when she was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. But still, he showed up.
“Chemo, surgery, I had to do it all,” Miller said. “He was there for me the entire time. There was a lot of stuff I couldn’t do for myself at that time, and he was there for me, he would come over.”
Since then, Barlow, 57, and Miller were the best of friends, becoming partners in card tournaments and talking every day. She was devastated to hear the news Monday of Barlow’s death.
He was shot and killed around 4:15 a.m. Monday in the 9900 block of South State Street, police said.
According to a Chicago police report, Barlow was seated inside his black Mercedes when the assailant, dressed in all dark clothing and walking on a sidewalk, approached Barlow’s vehicle, where a confrontation erupted and suddenly, one gunshot ran out.
The attacker then jumped into the Mercedes and fled in it, leaving Barlow lying in the street, unresponsive, according to the report. The Mercedes was later recovered.
Barlow was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.
Along with being an avid card player and fan of the Chicago Bears and Bulls, he worked for the Chicago Transit Authority, first as a train driver and then a switchman, according to longtime friend and card partner DeMarco Suggs and the Local 308 Rail Union which represents CTA workers.
“Our members show up every day with dignity and pride to serve the city of Chicago, trusting that they will return home safely to their families,” said Pennie McCoach, the union’s president. “Today, one of our own will not … this loss is not just ours, it is Chicago’s.”
McCoach called for city officials to address gun violence and do more to protect city employees.
“One life lost is one too many,” McCoach said. “We cannot allow another person to be lost to senseless crime in the city of Chicago. Not one more.”
The CTA didn’t respond directly to Barlow’s death but spoke generally about the incident near a CTA station in Roseland.
“The incident did not occur at a CTA rail station or involve CTA passengers,” the CTA said in a statement. “CTA is working closely with CPD as it investigates this matter, including reviewing and providing any relevant security camera footage.
Barlow “lived a life defined by kindness, service, and quiet strength,” his family, including his adult daughter and father, said in a statement.
“He was like a big brother to me, he always gave me good advice, always helped me in any situation he could,” Suggs said.
Barlow was a member of Prince Hall Masons and Shriners and often volunteered for Toys for Tots and other children’s charities.
“Whatever school they sponsored, he made sure every kid from 2nd to 6th grade had toys,” said Suggs, who dressed up as Santa to give gifts to kids at Barlow’s suggestion.
Barlow grew up in the Woodlawn area and traveled the country playing the card game Bid Whist.
Friends remember him for his sage advice on any situation.
“I was able to talk to him about anything and everything,” Miller said. “He would just sit and listen … and he’d say ‘Do you want my advice or do you want me to just sit and listen?'”
And Barlow was known to uplift others around him. He sent inspirational quotes found on Facebook or other sites to friends, reminding them to keep their heads up, Miller said.
“His smile was infectious, his laughter unforgettable, and his protective spirit unwavering,” Barlow’s family’s statement said.
It will be difficult to navigate days without Barlow’s typical calls, Miller said.
“I’m still in disbelief, I’m still waiting to get a phone call from him, hear his voice,” Miller said. “God has taken his angel.”