Richard Earl “Dick” Rowe.  Dick passed away Friday morning, May 6, 2016 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was a native and resident of Battle Creek.  After graduating high school, Dick furthered his education at Kellogg Community College for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force in November of 1966. He 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, he 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’s first wife was classmate Donna Alsbury.  He was also married to Karen Baune and Toni I Flander-Knoll who passed away in 2010.  Dick was involved in several community activities.  He 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. Survivors included his children, Michele Davis, Richard E. Rowe, Jr. and Christina L. (Arvind) Shenoy; significant other, Paula Chapman and her family; and his siblings, Helen L. (Steven) Sherman, Raymond H. Rowe, and Sharon K. Vernia.

Information from Farley-Estes-Dowdle Funeral Home website, Battle Creek, Michigan May 11, 2016