David John Rowe

david rowe

December 3, 1957 ~ August 14, 2023

Born in: Napoleon, OH
Resided in: Asheville, NC

David John Rowe was born December 3, 1957, in Napoleon, Ohio, to Florence (Beatty) Rowe and the late John R. Rowe. He died August 14, 2023, in Asheville, NC, where he moved in 1995. Dave leaves his mother, his sister Kathy Rowe, his brother-in-law Rick Goodkind, and many friends.

Dave grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. He was an Eagle Scout and won an Ed Bangs Journalism Scholarship. He graduated cum laude from Cleveland State University with a degree in communications. Dave worked as a reporter and columnist for Sun Newspapers in Cleveland. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Asheville, NAMI Western Carolina, and his writers group, and volunteered at MANNA Foodbank.

Dave loved music and literature. He played trumpet, guitar, banjo, and harmonica, and enjoyed playing music with friends and along the sidelines at Shindig on the Green. He wrote fiction and won awards for his short stories. Classes at OLLI Center enriched his life. He loved Green Sage cold brew coffee, good cornbread, and browsing at Malaprop’s, Musician’s Workshop, Cash Converters, and the library.

Life threw many roadblocks in Dave’s path. But with all its challenges, Dave found joy in life. He had a kind heart, an amazing memory, and a wonderful sense of humor. He wasn’t ready to go and we weren’t ready to lose him. We’ll miss you, Dave.

A service and reception will be at 2pm Thursday, August 24, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Instead of flowers, please consider a gift in Dave’s memory to NAMI Western Carolina (namiwnc.org), Manna Food Bank (mannafoodbank.org), or Cleveland State University (csuohio.edu). Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.

Services

Memorial Service: August 24, 2023 2:00 pm

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
10 North Liberty Street
Asheville, NC 28801


Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. My heart goes out to Dave’s family and friends. He was a sweet man and I’m glad I knew him, if only briefly.

  2. Dear Florence & Family,
    Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Our paths crossed because of Dave & your involvement with NAMI. We are sorry to hear of his passing. In our thoughts& prayers.

    Toni & Mike

  3. Dear Florence and Family,
    I will treasure the memories of seeing Dave as I’d passed by Starbucks Coffee shop.
    It always brings a smile remembering how happy he looked talking with a friend as they sipped their coffee.
    We also looked forward to Dave providing music at our NAMI pot lucks.
    Sharon & Jim

  4. My deepest condolences to you, Florence, and your family. I can still picture Dave walking to and from OLLI. He was resilient—determined to live life to its fullest. He’ll be with you, in your heart, always.

  5. Florence and family I am so sorry for your loss. I wanted you to know that Dave was an inspiration to me.

  6. Florence, I am so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. You are a good mom and great supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness! I miss seeing all my friends up there in Asheville. Much love Judy

  7. My heart goes out to you and your family, Florence. I treasured my times with Dave and was so glad to see him at St. Mark’s when Vance and I were still in Asheville. That’s a beautiful picture of him.

  8. Peggy & Ross Finley
    Florence and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. May you all find peace and consolation in your memories of him.

  9. Sorrry for your loss Florence. I enjoyed our talks at the NAMI XMAS parties about new music that we heard on the radio.

  10. Sorrry for your loss Florence. I enjoyed my talks with Dave at the NAMI XMAS parties about new music that we heard on the radio.

  11. Dear Florence,
    I am so sorry to learn about Dave. He was a wonderful man and an introspective writer. I ran into him regularly at CVS on Merrimon and it was always a joy to see him. Thinking of you, Love, Christine Duffy

  12. My condolences to Florence and the rest of Dave’s family. I remember him singing “Black Mountain Girls” at a NAMI Western Carolina dinner and loving it! So sorry he is gone, too soon.


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