MAJ David T. Rowe, USMC Retired

Sorrells Funeral Home

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Posted by: Sorrells Funeral Home
[email protected]
334-347-9598
Date: Jul 12 2021 3:08 PM

Major David T. Rowe, USMC Retired, of Enterprise passed away Friday, July 9, 2021, at 74 years-of-age.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, at Sorrells Funeral Home in Enterprise with Reverends Dean Moore and Patrick McBride officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at the funeral home beginning at 2:00 p.m. and continuing until the time of the service.   

David was born March 16, 1947, in Baltimore, MD, and was preceded in death by his parents, James and Doris Rowe. David lived life to its fullest and fought to the very end. He served his country with distinction in the United States Marine Corps from 31 August 1965 to 1 September 1985. He began his career as a Private in Aviation Ordnance and a year later was shipped out to Vietnam, where he served three tours. David rose to the grade of Sergeant. He then applied for and was selected to be an Aviation Ordnance Warrant Officer. He subsequently applied for and was selected to be an Aviation Ordnance Limited Duty Officer, where he rose to the grade of Major. During his career, he both designed and helped deploy numerous weapons systems to accomplish whatever missions were assigned to the unit to which he was either permanently or temporarily attached. 

The stories with which David regaled anyone who would listen were exciting and showed the passion he felt for his God, Country, and Corps. His military decorations/awards include the: Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards with 1 star and Combat V); Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation (2 awards), Navy Unit Commendation (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal (2 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4 awards); Vietnam Commendation Medal (1960); Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with Bronze Device and Palm), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Colors (1^st class), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Mast (2 awards), Certificate of Commendation, Letter of Recognition, Letter of Appreciation, M-16 Rifle Expert Badge, 45 Caliber Pistol Expert Badge (6 awards), and 38 Caliber Pistol Expert Badge (5 awards)

David was a jack of all trades and a master of most. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he spent time and tried his hand in a variety of different occupations, as he loved new things and new challenges. At one time or another he was a: realtor, developer, general contractor, timber salesman, farmer (crops, hogs, and chickens), and automobile/machinery shop owner. He could fix just about anything our family, friends, or neighbors broke.

David had a gruff exterior, but for those who were privileged to know the man beneath the ironclad facade, there was no one more loyal, more loving, or more generous. He lived by his word and held strong convictions that he would gladly share with anyone, whether they wanted to hear them or not. Life with David was a true adventure, full of firecrackers and chili peppers, where one never knew what was coming next. There were few who would ride in the car with him, because he drove like he lived: wide open. He will truly be missed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Katherine Rowe; children, Michael Rowe (Marie) of Greenville, NC, Clinton Rowe (Tina) of New Bern, NC, Denise Vetter (Norman) of Havelock, NC, and Katherine Beaton of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; three sisters; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Donations can be made in his memory to Heritage Church, 2911 Rucker Blvd, Enterprise, AL 36330.  All proceeds will be divided equally between Heritage Church and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

 

 

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