Barbara Harsch Creel Obituary

Barbara Beatrice Harsch Creel passed away at the Age of 87 on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. “Requiescat in pace aeterna.”

Memorial Service: 10 AM on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (6306 Kenwood Drive, Dallas, TX), Deacon Ken Reisor presiding.

Private Committal and Interment: Sacred Heart Cemetery (Wichita Falls, TX), Deacon David Bindel presiding.

Born on June 12, 1937, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barbara faced early hardships, losing both parents at the age of three. Raised by her maternal grandparents, Edward F. Riley and Marie B. Riley and paternal grandfather, Charles H. Harsch in Wichita Falls, Texas, she developed a deep sense of spirituality and faith within the Sacred Heart Catholic Church community.

Barbara's academic journey was remarkable. She graduated as valedictorian from Our Lady of Victory Academy at the age of 16 and pursued higher education at Loyola University, Midwestern State University, and the University of Dallas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (1961). She later obtained her M.A. from Texas Christian University (1966) and a Ph.D. in English from TCU (1975).

Barbara's passion for learning led her to teach at various institutions, including TCU (1965-1966), the University of Texas at Arlington (1966-1969), and Southern Methodist University (1969-1972).

Barbara married Louis Guy Creel, Jr. in 1961, and they had one son, John Thomas Creel. Some of their most cherished moments happened taking road trips and camping. During the summer of 1970, the family traveled from Texas to Wisconsin visiting State and National Parks along the way and finally arriving at Nashotah, WI to spend time with Barbara’s sister, Linda Harsch Lacey, Linda’s son, Jonathan Lacey and Linda’s husband, Harry Lacey. During the summer of 1972, Barbara and John spent two months in Belgium and France traveling together by rail, backpacking, camping, visiting sites and meeting interesting people.

After her first marriage ended, Barbara continued her academic pursuits, earning an M.B.A. from TCU (1978) and a J.D. degree from SMU Dedman School of Law (1996).

Barbara married Michael L. O'Neal in 1982, and they remained close friends even after their marriage ended. In the ensuing years, Barbara was Michel’s caretaker as he battled cancer three times. Michael passed away on his 75th birthday in 2012.

Barbara was known for her love of reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She made a significant impact on the lives of everyone she knew and will be deeply missed.

Barbara is survived by her son, John Thomas Creel (Keesha Beckford), grandchildren Riley and Aria Creel, nephew Jonathan Hale Lacey (Chris Dickerson-Lacey), and great nephew Ethan Hale Lacey. The family would like to express their gratitude to Cassie Barrientos and Terry Crenshaw for their friendship and support in Barbara's later years.