Robert "Kayo" Harlow

Robert “Kayo” Harlow, 81, of Port Neches, Texas, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Harbor House in Beaumont.

A memorial service will be held on October 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm at The Temple church in Port Arthur, Texas. Reverend Phil Chamberlin will officiate.

Kayo was born in Port Arthur, Texas on May 25, 1942. He was the son of Marvin Vernon Harlow and Thelma Gladys (Vinson) Harlow. He was married to his loving wife of forty-four years, Patricia (Lanclos) Harlow. Kayo served our country in the United States Army and after his deployment, attended Lamar Institute of Technology and then Lamar University, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for Motiva Refinery, retiring after 32 years of service. His happiest years of employment were when he worked as a consultant after he retired.

Kayo was an active member of The Temple church, where he taught Sunday School, served on various committees, and was a founding member of the praise team. He played the bass guitar on the praise team for twenty years. Kayo was active in the local Ham Radio club and the Port Arthur yacht club: he had a sailboat for more than 35 years.

Kayo loved music, sailing, his family, and most of all, Jesus. He could fix anything, and loved helping others. He was always smiling and had a positive outlook on life. Kayo was determined to see the good in people and never gave up on anyone. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and will be forever in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Lila Lee (Harlow) Henry and Marvin Vernon Harlow.   

Kayo is survived by his wife, Patricia Harlow; his son, Michael Scott Harlow of Nederland, Texas; his two daughters, Kelli Lynn Harlow of Port Neches, Texas; and Kari Ann Maddox and husband Andrew of Waco, Texas; as well as his five beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Kayo’s family asks that you honor him with memorial contributions to Lamar Institute of Technology, The Temple church, and The Salvation Army.