Harroll Lin Backus

Harroll L. Backus, Sr., 84, passed away January 9, 2017 in Abilene, TX. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Chris Turner officiating. A private family graveside service will follow. A native Oklahoman, Harroll was born to Charlie and Betty Backus in Eva, OK, on October 21, 1932. He was raised in the Oklahoma Panhandle where family homesteaded and farmed. He met and married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Halford in Guymon, OK, 68 years ago. Harroll worked for and retired from Phillips Petroleum in 1997, moving to Abilene shortly thereafter. A lifelong faithful servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Harroll became an active member in Abilene's Westminster Presbyterian Church. Throughout his life, he served as a role model for the Great Commandment – to first love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind. And, second, to love thy neighbor as thyself. Those closest to him knew Harroll to be a man of great integrity and provider for his family who had his priorities in order: (1) God; (2) others; and (3) self. It was his greatest desire that his life and faith would serve as an example for others, but especially so to his family and friends. Harroll was preceded in death by his parents, youngest son Kelly Ross Backus, brother Dudley Backus, sister Mary Katherine Box, and beloved sister-in-law Harri Fuller. He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Hop Backus and his spouse Douglas Dixon of Chicago, Illinois, two daughters and sons-in-law Teddie and Joe Spano and Cathy and Pete Spano, both of Abilene. He was a most loving grandfather to Jason and Jennifer Stelzer, Chad and Amy Backus, Kelli and Kyle Grigsby, Lacy Spano, Taylor and Tiffany Backus, Michelle Spano, Joseph Spano Jr & Maree, Dan & Cami Mayberry, and Jeffery & Angela Mayberry, and proud great-grandfather to Kelton Grigsby, Maddie Spano, Madilyn Stelzer, Karson Grigsby, Mason Spano, Briley Stelzer, Joseph and Alex Urbano, Chloe Hajali, Brooks, Bennett, Clayton, Cody and Walker Backus. And, he cherished all animals, but two more than others - his grand-dogs Scooter and Pierre. Memorials may be given to the Westminster Presbyterian Church benevolent fund. The family extends sincere thanks to staff at Abilene Regional Hospital and Hospice of the Big Country.