CHARLESTON — Robert Lewis Rowe, Sr. former long-time mayor of Charleston and retired barber, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 25.
A celebration of the life of Robert Rowe was held at Charleston Church of God, Sunday, June 27, at 2 p.m. with visitation prior to the funeral service. Interment followed at Charleston Cemetery.
He was born to Eddie “Loving” Rowe and Evelyn Miller Rowe on November 21, 1930, the youngest of four children, and lived most of his life in Tallahatchie County.
He met and married the love of his life, Mildred Jones, on September 25, 1949. Robert and Mildred raised four children, embraced five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. They enjoyed over 71 years of devoted marriage.
He was a longtime barber, owning and operating a barber shop in Charleston for more than a half-century.
He began serving in public office for the City of Charleston in 1973 as Commissioner/Vice-Mayor for 12 years and went on to serve as Mayor just over 28 years. Robert championed a personal motto that he said served as his guide in government and in life: “Try to help as much as I can, for as many as I can, for as long as I can, and to God be all praise, thanks, glory and honor.”
He was a licensed minister of music since August 2, 1972, and was currently serving as minister of music at the Charleston Church of God.
Robert had a passion and zeal for God and ministry like few others possessed. He started his singing ministry in 1948 at the Friendship Church of God and remained active up until his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Loving and Evelyn Rowe, and his siblings, James Keith Rowe, Inez Rowe Peters and Ed Rowe.
He is survived by his wife, Mildred; their children and their spouses, Robbie (Alan) Yeager, Robert (Bob) Lewis Rowe, Jr. (Patsy), Daphine Peters and Ginger (Greg) Little; 5 grandchildren, Hugh, Amy, Dustin, Hallie and Sydney; and 5 great grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be made to The Charleston Church of God or St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
Condolences can be made online at www.womblefuneralhome.com.
