Dr. Lawrence "Larry" Barbour

Lawrence “Doc” Joseph Barbour

Dr. Lawrence Joseph Barbour, 83, of Roswell, New Mexico, went to be with our Lord on January 29, 2020. He was born on May 19, 1936, to Dr. and Mrs. L D Barbour in Three Forks, Montana with his brother, John, and 2 sisters, Roberta Willis, and Donna Kay Fergeson. His family moved to Roswell where he graduated from Roswell High School in 1954.  After high school, he attended junior college at the New Mexico Military Institute. He then went to Baylor University before entering medical school at Philadelphia College for Osteopathy. He was an intern in Fort Worth, Texas, before beginning his 35-year career as an Osteopathic Physician in Roswell, New Mexico.

Larry served as president of the New Mexico Osteopathic Society and on the board of Eastern New Mexico Medical Center for 9 years. He received many awards and accomplishments throughout his career as a physician including being the 1st osteopathic physician at St. Mary’s and ENMMC. His strong desire for osteopathy helped drive many future physicians to practice in Roswell and advance osteopathic medicine in New Mexico. Larry also led many successful programs while serving on the ENMMC board including the Hospitalist Program, Scholarship Program for Nurses, and the Lamaze Program.

His wife, Nancy, Roswell’s first Certified Nurse Practitioner, survives him. She cared for him wholeheartedly and with compassion. Larry is survived by his 5 children which include Larry Joe Barbour of Frisco, TX; Cindy and spouse, Darren Kuhn of Roswell; Kevin and spouse, Tammy Barbour of Matthews, GA; Melanie Barbour of Utah; and Michele and spouse, Rob Clark of Albuquerque. Stepchildren include Susie Solomon of Albuquerque; Valerie Davis of Roswell; Laurie Lovelady and spouse, Martin Rexius of Greensboro, NC; Jamie and spouse, Dave LaMure of Kimberly, ID; and Natalie Finney and spouse, Buddy Stephens of Roswell. Larry is survived by his sister, Donna Kay and husband, Ted, of Midland, TX and sister-in-law, Margy Barbour, of Roswell. Larry is preceded in death by his brother, John Arthur Barbour; parents, Kay and Dr. L D Barbour; sister, Roberta and brother-in-law, Maurice Willis. 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren also survive him.

“Doc” was an avid golf champion and a member of the Roswell Country Club for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his friends including Alan Tucker, Brett Leach, Howard Perry, John Coll and many more. He cherished time with his family, but his true passion was being a physician and caring for others.  There was a time in Roswell you could throw stones into any crowd and hit a dozen people that Dr. Barbour cared for or delivered as babies. Anytime he went into town someone knew him as their doctor. Many patients remember him responding to the statement “it hurts when I do that” and Doc would say “Well then don’t do that!” He treated all of his patients with equal care and respect. He was an exceptional father, husband, “Granddad”, “Poppa”, and physician. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. His services will be held on Friday, February 7th at 2:00 pm at 1st Presbyterian Church on 3rd street in Roswell. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the charity of your choice.