Richard Earl Rowe

Richard E. "Dick" Rowe, Sr., age 69, of Battle Creek died Friday morning, May 6, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born at Community Hospital in Battle Creek on February 2, 1947, the son of Earl Raymond and Esther B. (Ball) Rowe. Dick attended Battle Creek Public Schools, graduating from Battle Creek Central High in 1965. He then furthered his education at Kellogg Community College for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force in November of 1966. Dick served as a Medical Service Specialist at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Marquette, MI, 8th USAF Dispensary, Ubon, Thailand and USAF Hospital Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Washington, and was Honorably Discharged in March 1971.

Upon returning to Battle Creek in 1971, Dick was employed by Brutsche Burial Vault Co. and in 1972, started a part-time position with the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home as a removal assistant. In 1982, Dick was appointed Superintendent of Oak Hill Cemetery and continued in that position for more than 30 years until he retired in 2012.

Dick married the former Donna Alsbury in June of 1967; that marriage ended in divorce. He then married the former Karen Baune in December of 1972; that marriage ended in divorce. Dick then married the former Toni I Flanders-Knoll in July 1995; she preceded him in death on March 30, 2010. Dick is survived by his children, Michele Davis of Battle Creek, Richard E. Rowe, Jr. of Tarrytown, New York, and Christina L. (Arvind) Shenoy of San Jose, California; significant other, Paula Chapman and her family; and his siblings, Helen L. (Steven) Sherman of Battle Creek, Raymond H. Rowe, of Missouri, and Sharon K. Vernia of Texas.

Dick was a member of the Battle Creek Exchange Club, serving on Board and President in 1987 and again in 2001, the Southwest Michigan Theatre Organ Society and the Battle Creek Community Chorus Board of Directors. He enjoyed playing the organ and attending organ recitals, symphony concerts, reading Lincoln historical material, crossword puzzles, M.A.S.H., Star Trek, MSU football games and day trips with the car. Dick supported the United Arts Council of Calhoun County and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. He served as stage manager for the Leila Follies in the 1970's and 80's, and was President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Salesman Club in 1973. Dick rebuilt a Wurlitzer organ in his basement, which was later used in the chapel at Oak Hill Cemetery. Dick will be remembered as a hardworking man who cared about his community and family. He will be sorely missed.

Per Dick's wishes, cremation was conducted at Oak Hill Crematory. A memorial service celebrating Dick's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 1st Congregational Church with Emily D. Schimmel officiating. Inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Symphony, Attention: Pat, P.O. Box 1613, Battle Creek, MI 49016-1613. Arrangements are by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.