Obituary

W. Dale Rowe Jr.
(October 9, 1952 - March 13, 2015)

W. Dale Rowe Jr. passed away March 13, 2015 at home with his loving family. He was so strong and brave in his battle with ALS. Now he can again speak with his beautiful voice. Dale requested no funeral service, perhaps because he had often been told he would be late for it. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. He won’t be there to play the bass, but his friends Kenny, Dan and Bob will provide the bluegrass music. Dale was born October 9, 1952, the son of Juanita Rowe who has been devotedly by his side and the late Dale Rowe Sr. He was also preceded in death by his special Aunt Nancie Smith. A Graduate of Marshall University and member of SAE Fraternity. He was the owner of Music Man Inc. How many friends worked there over the years? Dale felt Music Man was more play than work. With the changes in the music industry, Dale embarked on his 2nd career as a sales rep for Curtis/Barnes/MSC. He loved his customers and friends. Dale was Christmas, Peter Pan, travel planner, builder, musician, and master mixer. He took joy in making others happy. He loved his family, boating on the river, Spark, toys, travel and Florida. He was very ill when he told us he wanted to see Florida one last time. So we rented an RV, and with the help of Greg Slone, we were able to take one last family vacation to Florida. Dale was a Scout Master. He and his best friend Tim Effingham started troop 91. A member of Highlawn United Methodist (Community of Grace.) Dale served as youth leader and started a “shut-in” ministry. Dale is survived by his adoring wife Jeanne who loves him with all of her heart. His son James Burns, who is the best gift he ever received. His children Jimmy (Tabatha) Johnston, Jessica (Josh) Johnston-Jones, and Jennifer (Scott) Davison. We could not have survived the past year without their help. Jennifer & Scott always had our back and Jennifer has made so many trips from Indy to help care for us. Jessica, Dale was so proud that you became a nurse, it was such a comfort and we appreciate all the sleepless nights you gave him. Jimmy who has worked night and day taking care of everything from construction to care. Our other nurse Tabatha who has been devotedly with us making sure we were included in every family activity, and Josh for his technical expertise. Dale is also survived by his sister Anita Rowe (Ed Miller). Many thanks to them for keeping him entertained. Anita, forever it will be Sissy & Butch. Surviving grandchildren will enjoy Dale’s pirate ship for years to come. They are Jacob and Nathan Davison, Isabella and Will Johnston, and Jayden and Justin Jones. Thanks for our loving caregivers Rosie, Linda, Diane and Pam. Special thanks to Austin Haley and our cousin Jane Browning Sawyers. Thanks to Dr. McComas and his staff for their kindness and compassion. In the words of Mark Twain, “Now and then we had the hope if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates”. Dale is a pirate, you will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ALS Society. (KY Chapter 2815 Amsterdam Road, Villa Hills, KY 41017) or the Huntington Kiwanis Club Daycare (P.O. Box 1994 Huntington, WV 25719) Services are entrusted to Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Huntington.