With great shock and sorrow, we must share that Daniel Edward Barrow Jr. (“Dan”) passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026. The suddenness of this loss has left his family, friends, and community reeling.
Dan’s extraordinary 81-year life was characterized by curiosity, compassion, integrity, and a pioneering attitude that profoundly impacted his loved ones as well as the technological industry he helped to build. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and had a modest desire that led him from a young age to a life filled with significant accomplishments and close relationships.
Dan is a proud graduate of Indiana University, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree prior to beginning his work at IBM. Although the corporate route provided useful expertise, it quickly became evident that Dan’s vision went much beyond it. He started DPS, Inc. with just one employee in the grocery store basement in 1972, displaying his usual audacity.
He developed it over the course of more than 50 years into a reputable technological business with its headquarters located in Carmel, Indiana, that serves customers all over the world. His dog, Otis, became an integral part of the corporate culture, and employees were rewarded with the humorous “Otis Award” for work that felt important, human, and enjoyable. Employees loved him for his intelligence, solid leadership, friendliness, and vision.
Above all, Dan was a kind and supportive family man. His ability to transform ideas into reality is credited by several of his nieces and nephews with inspiring them to pursue careers in technology or entrepreneurship. His sister, Marilyn (Barrow) Smith, and parents, Ruth Barrow and Daniel Edward Barrow Sr., passed away before him.
In addition to his sister Carol (Barrow) Beesley, he leaves behind a large and devoted extended family that includes his nieces and nephews Chris Beesley (Jenni) and their children Alex and Anna; Patrick Beesley (Michelle) and their son Max; Erin Kozlowski (Tom) and their daughters Kate and Emily; Elizabeth Paolini (Tom) and their children Edward and Julian; and Ryan Smith (Laura) and their children Georgia and William.
Whether it was through jokes like “The man makes the clothes” in response to compliments on his attire or embracing floppy shoes while on vacation, his dry humor and subtle wit brought lightness to those around him. Dan also had a strong belief in giving back, supporting groups that improve communities and protect important things, such as The Salvation Army and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate Dan’s extraordinary life on January 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Day & Deremiah Frye Funeral Home, 4150 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, Indiana, with a brunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Zoo or The Salvation Army, reflecting the causes close to his heart.