Barbara Ann Burleson

In the tapestry of life, we’re all connected. Each one of us is a gift to those around us, helping each other be who we are, weaving a perfect picture together - Anita Moorjani

Barbara Ann Burleson passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. Ever the artist, Barbara weaved color and light into the lives of all who knew her. Barbara, who never met a stranger, lived a life filled with curiosity, fun, compassion and love.

Barbara was born to Aaron C. “Burley” and Myra Burleson in St. Louis, Missouri. She spent most of her formative years in the Washington D.C area and graduated from Fort Hunt High School, Alexandria, VA. She spoke often of her idyllic childhood and upbringing but thought of herself as a bit of a “wild child” in her youth, with many friends, travels and time at the beach (though her idea of “wild” was pretty tame).

A perpetual student, Barbara was very proud of her educational attainment at the University of Oklahoma, including Masters of Regional and City Planning, Concentration: Urban Design and Community Development (2000); Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, Concentration: Architecture (1989); and Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, Concentration: Space Planning and Commercial Design (1982). She was a rabid fan of the Sooners, especially OU Football and in recent years, OU Softball. Boomer!

Barbara took great pride in her professional pursuits as an Interior Designer and as the NE 23rd Street Restoration Manager for the Capitol Chamber of Commerce in Oklahoma City. But it was in her time with the City of Altus that Barbara truly found her calling. She served as the Planning Director for the City of Altus for many years before retiring in 2017. During her tenure she had a reputation for being tough but fair, always committed to the betterment of Altus. She worked on numerous projects for the city including the comprehensive plan and the Altus Reservoir project, which earned a Citation of Merit from the State Historic Preservation office.

Driven by a need to leave the world better and her passion for connection, Barbara dedicated immeasurable hours to volunteering. She served many organizations in a variety of roles, including: Jackson County Community Health Action Team (JCCHAT), Main Street Advisory Board, Citizens League of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Historical Society, American Planning Association, Oklahoma Planning Association, Preservation Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute.

Barbara was the proud daughter of a United States Air Force veteran, and a passionate supporter of Altus Air Force Base, helping in every way she could. She served as an Honorary Commander for Altus Air Force Base for the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 97th Mission Support Group for more than 10 years and on the Altus Military Affairs Committee. Her passion for the airmen and the mission of the US Air Force resulted in her being inducted as a “Friend of Altus” in 2014.

Barbara was an instant friend with almost everyone she met. She had a wide circle of friends through her book club, her “birthday club” and her P.E.O. Sisterhood. She loved to travel and said yes to every trip invitation. She was especially proud of her solo trip to Italy and the Vatican. Though her children were worried the entire time, it was a trip of a lifetime for her, including the opportunity for a Papal audience.

Barbara loved the music of her youth and frequently attended concerts to see the Stones, the Eagles and many others. She especially enjoyed her time traveling as a “Parrott Head” to attend Jimmy Buffet shows. She was also a devoted Catholic, serving in her previous parish of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in a variety of roles. She attended Mass weekly, praying fervently and singing loudly.

The greatest joy for Barbara was undoubtedly her grandchildren. Her walls were adorned with her annual picture surrounded by all of her grandchildren. She loved visiting with them and keeping up to date on all of their activities and studies. She was so very proud of each and every one of them and was so excited for their future.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Aaron C. Burley Burleson and Myra Lucille Burleson and by her nephew Aaron Christopher Burleson.

Barbara is survived by her children: daughter Melissa McLawhorn Houston and husband Ben and their sons Robert Aaron Houston and Matthew Bennett Houston of Norman; and her son Charles L. McLawhorn III and wife Tracy and their children Ella Marie McLawhorn, Nathaniel Joseph McLawhorn and Claire Elizabeth McLawhorn of Fort Worth. She is also survived by her siblings and their families: brother Chris Burleson and wife Jolly, and their daughter and her family and sister Debbie Burleson and her daughters and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More in Norman, OK at 10am on Friday, September 19.

Barbara lived her life in color, with humor, passion for helping others, compassionate to all and full of love and light. She will be missed by all those who were blessed to have Barbara in the tapestry of their lives.