Obituary of Donald J Rowe

Donald Jean Rowe, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2015 following his brave battle to recover from a stroke. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Mr. Rowe served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963, and as a Merchant Seaman until the early 1970s. During the next 40 years, he and his wife owned House of Trophies, where they worked side-by-side until she retired. Mr. Rowe continued to operate the business until 2012. Mr. Rowe’s true passion was his family and he blessed them beyond measure. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, stepfather, “Papa,” uncle, cousin and friend to all who knew him. For more than 44 years, he loved, cared for and adored his wife, and was a supportive and encouraging stepfather, and a doting and devoted “Papa” to his grand and great-grandchildren. His loved ones celebrate his life and will miss him until they are all reunited in Heaven. Mr. Rowe was preceded in death by his parents, IJ and Sylvia (Ellson) Rowe, and his sister, Dianne K. (Rowe) Workman. He leaves behind his wife, Annie Grace (Hickox) Rowe; stepson, Nicholas Morgan; stepdaughter, Deborah Dekle (Randal) Drew; grandchildren, Jessica (Morgan) Chewning, William Joseph Barton and Sarah Grace Drew; great-grandson, Eric D. Chewning; brother, James (Joyce) Rowe; brother-in-law, Richard Workman; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive guests Thursday, April 30, 2015, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Aaron and Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233. The Rev. Bill Driscoll, Rector, Redeemer Anglican Church will officiate a private memorial service on Friday, May 1, 2015. Mr. Rowe will be buried at Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all who helped care for Mr. Rowe during the last few years of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to your favorite charity or to the PARC Foundation, Inc. (www.parc-foundation.org).