Joe Rowe

Connie Joe Rowe

OBITURARY CORRECTED

8/13/2026

Joe Rowe passed away on August 3, 2026 at the age of 81.

Born on May 20, 1945, he spent much of his life enjoying the outdoors. Fishing was one of his greatest pleasures, especially trotline fishing with his brothers, Jessie and Harvey, and his longtime friend Leo Nash. In later years, he enjoyed fly fishing in New Mexico with Mickey and Phillip Sorrell. He loved the wide-open spaces of West Texas, its sunsets, the desert, and even the stormy nights that sometimes added challenges to his work as an oilfield electrician. He also enjoyed several float trips down the Rio Grande with friends Connie Mack and Jon Cooledge.

Joe worked for 26 years with Shell Pipeline. Following retirement, he continued working with the Texas Division of NASDA, a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Faith, service, and community were important parts of Joe's life. He served as a Sunday School teacher and led Royal Ambassadors (R.A.s) at his church. Over the years, he volunteered in many capacities, including serving as longtime treasurer, road committee chairman, and legal liaison for the DMPOA. He was also an ambulance driver for the Mountain Medics and was Assistant Fire Chief with the DMR Volunteer Fire Department. As a longtime volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), he helped children in need and often said it was one of the most difficult but important roles he ever held.

Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis Arp; brother, Jessie Rowe and wife Lola; his son, Dan Rowe and fiancée Jacquelyn; his son, Mikel Rowe and wife Shinobu; Andrea Esse and husband Scott; Melinda Dean Doyal; Melanie Machann and wife Leah; and Lauren Lewallen Monsey and husband Elwin.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, especially Paul Rowe and Valerea Brand. His grandchildren Amanda Garcia and husband Nathan, Evan Rowe, Elijah Rowe and fiancée Ashley, Savanna, Mason and Colton Esse, Yuri Griffin and husband Adam, Kellen Rowe and wife Maddie, Max Rowe and wife Carter, Wade Weaver, Catlin, Baylon and Dillon Dean, Ana, Olivia, Milo and E.V. Monsey. His great-grandchildren are Iven Cole Garcia, Jerimiah Garcia, Henry Hennigan, Lucas Griffin, and Benjamin Rowe.

Joe will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to others, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026 4:00 - 6:00 pm Davis Mountain Funeral Hall / Mobile Mortician of Texas 43430 state hwy 17 south, Fort Davis.

Funeral Service Sunday, August 9, 2026 10:30 - 11:30 am at the DMR Baptist Church.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at Mobile Mortician of Texas’ web site: www.mmoftexas.com