Show-Me State Times

Lawrence Francis Barmann, born on June 9, 1932, to parents Francis and Weber Barmann, passed away in 2025. His early education took place at Campion, a Jesuit-run boarding high school in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1950. Following his graduation, Barmann joined the Jesuit order and was ordained as a priest in 1963. He later left the Jesuits in 1979.

During his novitiate period in 1952, Barmann served as an orderly at St. Mary’s Infirmary. This experience inspired him to develop courses such as “The History of Anti-Black Racism in the United States” and “The History of Anti-Semitism,” which he taught at Saint Louis University (SLU).

Barmann's academic journey included earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy and history from Saint Louis University in 1956. He taught history and speech at St. Louis University High School between 1957 and 1959. In 1960, he obtained a master's degree in medieval intellectual history from Fordham University and later completed his Ph.D. in the history of religious thought from Cambridge University in 1970.

Returning to SLU after completing his studies, Barmann dedicated three decades to the institution. He was appointed director of the American Studies program from 1981 until 1988.

In recognition of his teaching excellence, Barmann received the Nancy McNeir Ring Award for Outstanding Teacher in 1975. He retired from SLU in 2001.