City of Barstow, Texas

City of Barstow, Texas Barstow is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 80 and Farm Road 516, on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, five miles east of Pecos in southwestern Ward County.

The town was named for George E. Barstow, a Rhode Island land promoter who established it. The Texas and Pacific Railway reached Barstow in 1881. Ten years later the townsite was laid out and a post office established. Barstow became the county seat when Ward County was organized in 1892. That same year George E. Barstow formed the Barstow Improvement Company to promote the sale of land irrigated

by the Pecos River. He constructed irrigation canals and a dam and brought trainloads of prospective settlers to the town in land promotions. A red sandstone courthouse was constructed in 1893. By 1900 Barstow had a population of 1,103. In 1914 the community had three churches, a bank, a hotel, an opera house, and a weekly newspaper, the West Texas Journal. Two years later a power plant was built to generate electricity. The farms around Barstow grew grapes, peaches, pears, and melons. In 1904 the Barstow Irrigation Company won a silver medal for grapes at the World's Fair. The same year an earthen dam on the rain-swollen Pecos River burst, and the resulting floodwaters raised soil salinity levels, thus ruining many of the farms. In 1907 and 1910 serious droughts plagued Barstow farmers. Vineyards and orchards began to decline in 1911, and by 1918 farming ceased. The population fell from 1,219 in 1910 to an estimated 490 in 1925. Barstow had 468 residents in 1930. In June 1938, after the discovery of oil in Winkler County and eastern Ward County, Monahans replaced Barstow as the county seat of Ward County. Barstow had a population of 683 in 1955. Four businesses and an estimated 637 residents remained in 1982. The population in 1990 was 535; by 2000 it dropped to 406. By: Glen Justice
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/barstow-tx

04/10/2026

Enjoy your weekend but stay weather aware! Have multiple sources to receive weather notifications.

It is that time of year again. Stay weather alert and have a plan. The City of Barstow tests the emergency siren every W...
04/06/2026

It is that time of year again. Stay weather alert and have a plan. The City of Barstow tests the emergency siren every Wednesday at 10:30 am. Barstow Volunteer Fire Department

The severe risk begins to ramp back up across the Southern Plains Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, continuing into the weekend. Initially, the severe risk is isolated mid to late week but by the weekend, the severe risk is in overdrive. A severe risk has already been introduced by the Storm Prediction Center for Saturday and Sunday for parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and New Mexico. Severe weather is likely, with the potential for extreme hail and tornadoes. Now is the time you want to go over your severe weather plan

Senia Sanchez Ortega02/22/1972-04/03/2026Senia S. Ortega, cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on April ...
04/06/2026

Senia Sanchez Ortega
02/22/1972-04/03/2026

Senia S. Ortega, cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on April 3, 2026, in Barstow at the age of 54.

Senia was born in Presidio, Tx on February 22, 1972 to Luis and Graciela Sanchez. She was a loving mother and wife who dedicated her life to her family. She was known for her love of shopping and an unwavering love for her most prized possessions, her grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and unforgettable memories.

Senia is preceded in death by her father, Luis Sanchez. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 37 years, Guadalupe Ortega. Sons, Luis and wife, Jessica, Cesar and wife Lauren. Her beloved grandchildren, Diego, Ryan, Mateo, Alejandro, Elian and Camila Ortega. Her mother, Graciela Cordaway, husband, Joe Cordaway. Sisters, Senaida Rangel, husband, Sergio and Sandra Ramirez, husband, Mario. Brother, Fernando Cordaway, wife, Valerie. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 1:00 pm -9:00 pm at Pecos Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Primera Iglesia Bautista.

Pallbearers will be: Mario Ramirez, Sergio Rangel, Jacob Ramirez, Fernando Cordaway, Jose Valles and Joel Valeriano.

The City of Barstow will begin weekly testing of the emergency sirens. Routine testing will be Wednesdays at 10:30 am.
02/25/2026

The City of Barstow will begin weekly testing of the emergency sirens. Routine testing will be Wednesdays at 10:30 am.

Alfredo "Fred" B Abila06/27/1959-01/02/2026Interment Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1:00 PM at the Barstow Cemetery.
02/12/2026

Alfredo "Fred" B Abila
06/27/1959-01/02/2026

Interment Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1:00 PM at the Barstow Cemetery.

Josephine "Jo" Allgood12/07/1930-02/02/2026Josephine “Jo” Allgood, 95, of Barstow, Texas, passed away Monday, February 2...
02/09/2026

Josephine "Jo" Allgood
12/07/1930-02/02/2026

Josephine “Jo” Allgood, 95, of Barstow, Texas, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026, in Fort Stockton, Texas.

Jo was born December 7, 1930, in Sage, Arkansas, to James and Beatrice Twilley. She attended school in Oakdale, California, and later made her home in West Texas, where she built a life defined by service, faith, and community.

Jo dedicated much of her working life to public service, serving as secretary for the Barstow School District and the Pecos Independent School District for more than 60 years. She was widely respected for her steady professionalism, exceptional organizational skills, and creative spirit. Jo also served her hometown as City Secretary for Barstow, Texas. An artist at heart, she enjoyed art, valued being involved in her community, and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Barstow prior to relocating.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Eugene Allgood; her sister, Milla Dean McNulty; and her parents, James and Beatrice Twilley.

She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Dean Becker, and husband, Douglas Becker; her grandchildren, William Cole Doggett and wife, Donna Doggett, and Cory Dale Doggett and wife, Ariane Doggett; and her great-grandson, Jacob Andrew Doggett, and his fiancé, Elizabeth Fuller.

Pallbearers will be Douglas Becker, Rex Allgood, Trey Allgood, and William Doggett.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at West Park Baptist Church in Pecos, Texas, with Pastor Rey Carreon officiating. Burial will follow at Barstow Cemetery in Barstow, Texas.

Ruben Avila Aldaz04/13/1950-12/16/2025Ruben Avila Aldaz, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, soldier, and devoted pu...
01/08/2026

Ruben Avila Aldaz
04/13/1950-12/16/2025

Ruben Avila Aldaz, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, soldier, and devoted public servant, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at home in New Braunfels Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Ruben was born on April 13, 1950, in Barstow, Texas, to the late Jose Aldaz and Felicita Avila Aldaz. From a young age, he carried a strong sense of duty, honor, and love for others-qualities that would define his life and service. Ruben proudly served his country in the United States Army, a commitment that reflected his deep patriotism and respect for service. Following his military service, Ruben continued his lifelong dedication to protecting and serving his community as a police officer. He retired after 33 years of honorable and distinguished service, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, courage, and compassion. To those who worked alongside him and to the many lives he touched, Ruben was known as a steady presence, a trusted protector, and a man who led by example.

Above all, Ruben was a family man. He cherished time spent with his loved ones and found his greatest joy in being a father and grandfather. His strength, guidance, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Felicita Aldaz. He is survived by his children, Vanessa Bernal Johnson (Norris), Luis Aldaz (Marcie), Doris Aldaz, and Jered Aldaz; his grandchildren, NaDorian, Nadrien, Nylayia, Mallorie, Bryar, Gianna; his brothers, Manuel and Luis; and his sisters, Elizabeth and Adella, along with numerous extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Private visitation for immediate family will be held from 9:30am to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel in New Braunfels Texas. The public visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a prayer service beginning at 11:30 a.m. The funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. for a 1:30 p.m. committal service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the United States Army.

Ruben Avila Aldaz will be remembered for his selfless service, his unwavering devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made through a life lived with honor and love.

Hal M Brown08/13/1939-01/02/2026Hal M. Brown was born on August 13, 1939, in Del Rio, Texas, to Hal R. Brown and Marie E...
01/07/2026

Hal M Brown
08/13/1939-01/02/2026

Hal M. Brown was born on August 13, 1939, in Del Rio, Texas, to Hal R. Brown and Marie E. (Haney) Brown. He passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2026, in Orange, Texas. In 1942, Hal's family moved to Pecos, Texas, where he attended school and later graduated from Pecos High School. There, he met his high school sweetheart, Betty Vick. They married after graduation and shared many years of devoted marriage. Hal and Betty were deeply involved in their church, Calvary Baptist Church in Pecos, where they faithfully participated in visitation and shared their faith, bringing many people to Christ. They remained in the Pecos area for many years, raising their three children. Hal also enjoyed sports and played in a men's softball league. In 1992, Hal and Betty moved to Lumberton, Texas. After Betty's passing, Hal relocated to Orange, Texas, where he lived until his passing. During his later years, he was an active member of McDonald Baptist Church in West Orange. Hal is survived by his three children and their spouses: Jamie W. and Kim Brown; Dale and Julie A. (Brown) Edwards; and John D. and Vicki (Ewing) Brown. He is also survived by his brother, Seth Brown, and sister, Joy (Brown) Ray; eight grandchildren-Chelsea, Jalynne, Daylon, Alyson, Addyson, Hayden, Pierce, and Paige; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Hal was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty V. Brown; his parents, Hal and Marie Brown; his sisters, Dolores Brown and Betty Jo (Brown) Hester; his brothers, James Brown and Kenneth Brown; and his second wife, Jonette Brown. Services for Hal Brown will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Pecos Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service. A memorial service will be held at McDonald Baptist Church in West Orange at a later date.

Theresa Majors Walker09/04/1920-01/02/2026Theresa Majors Walker passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, peacefully at her h...
01/06/2026

Theresa Majors Walker
09/04/1920-01/02/2026

Theresa Majors Walker passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, peacefully at her home in Barstow, Texas.

Anna Theresa Majors Walker was born September 4, 1920, to Cleveland and Winnie Majors. She was named for the Merchant ship, Maria Theresa, which transported her father overseas in World War I.

In 1929, her family moved back to Barstow to the farm five miles north of town where she rode the school bus attending the third grade at the red sandstone schoolhouse.

Highlights of her childhood were going by train to El Paso and then on to New Mexico to visit her grandparents Ezzell and her Uncle Clay Ezzel, who was a jolly fellow and a big teaser. Also, many happy hours were spent with her grandparents Majors who lived across the road.

She graduated from high school in 1937 in the two-story brick school. While in school she played basketball and tennis. She took “expression” lessons from a Mrs. Neilson and enjoyed competing in Declamations in County Meets.

She was baptized at Head 3 after joining the Barstow First Christian Church, where she is an active member. In 1937 and 1938 she attended Sul Ross College in Alpine and Beauty School in El Paso. Theresa married Warren Goode, a childhood sweetheart, in November 1939. They lived on a farm at “48”. Warren worked for T.C.I. Farms and gins. She worked at the Ward County Irrigation District under Mr. J.E. Echols, whose kind teaching and untiring patience was worth more than a full business course. She also collected taxes for the Barstow Independent School. On November 10, 1945, their daughter Sherri Ann was born. In 1961, she married Forrest M. Walker, a Civil Service employee from Pyote.

She is preceded in death by her husband Warren Goode and late husband Forrest Walker, daughter Sherri Bonilla, sister Bobbie Avary and her husband GQ “Shine” Avary.

Theresa leaves to cherish her memory, Grandson Mike Bonilla, Great-Grandchildren Ave, Chloe and Mason Bonilla.

Visitation for Theresa will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 3;00pm to 6:00pm at Pecos Funeral Home, Funeral Service will be Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:00am at First Methodist Church in Pecos, Texas with burial to follow at Barstow Cemetery in Barstow, Texas.

The family of Theresa is eternally grateful to Roger Harrison, Laura Natividad, Rosie Nunez, and Sylvia Herrera whose love and presence graced her in her last years.

12/06/2025

‼️‼️ Maintenance is being performed on the emergency siren. If you hear the alarm, there is currently no reason for alarm ‼️ ‼️

Juana T Rico10/28/1940-11/29/2025Juana T. Rico, 85 years old, of Barstow Tx, passed away on November 29th in Barstow Tx....
12/02/2025

Juana T Rico
10/28/1940-11/29/2025

Juana T. Rico, 85 years old, of Barstow Tx, passed away on November 29th in Barstow Tx.

Juana is preceded in death by husband Francisco Rico, sons Raymond Rico, Gilbert Rico, grandsons John Erica Rico and Louie Rico, mother and father Santiago and Benita Tarin, sisters Maria Franco, Ester Marquez, Tomasa Tarin, and brother Ruben Tarin. Juana is survived by Nancy Contreras, Peggy Rubio, Mariano & Rose Rico, Frank Rico Jr, Louie Elliot Rico, Tabitha & Jacob Rodriquez, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and her brothers Jesse & James Tarin.

The family of Juana wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Vanessa Rico for taking care of her grandparents, hospice of Fort Stockton all nurses and chaplain, Home Health from Pecos, Dr. Serrano, Dr. Gorman and Ward County Pct 1.

Address

PO BOX 98
Barstow, TX
79719

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