Howard Rowe

NIXA, Mo. — Howard Terry Rowe, age 76, a resident of Nixa, formerly of Charleston, Missouri, died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born Jan. 20, 1945, in Cairo, Illinois, to Howard Rowe and Pinky Coon Rowe. He moved to Nixa in 2017 and was a member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Springfield. Prior to his move to Nixa, he had lived in Charleston his entire life, where he was a member of the St. Henry Catholic Church Parish and attended St. Henry School from Kindergarten thru 12th grade. Following graduation from High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Thetis Bay 6 which was President Kennedy’s helicopter ship. After his discharge, he attended Southeast Missouri State University where over time, he received a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology, a Master’s in Speech Pathology and a Specialist in Educational Administration. He dedicated his professional career to his hometown. Serving first as a Speech Pathologist, then Director of Bus Transportation, Director of Federal Programs, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Assistance Superintendent and then Superintendent of the Charleston R-1 School District. In retirement, he served as Interim Principal at Hearnes Elementary and Interim Principal at St. Henry Catholic School.

Terry was a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association, Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association for Pupil Transportation, and the Board of Directors for the Sikeston Public Schools Credit Union. His service to the educational community was mirrored in service to his community as a whole. As a member of the St. Henry Catholic Parish he served on the Parish Council and the School Board, was an adult leader of the Catholic Youth and a member of the Knight of Columbus.

He was elected and served on the Charleston City Council for 15 years, and during that time served as Mayor for three terms, served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Municipal League, was a member and Past President of Charleston Lion’s Club, had served as a Chairman of the Heart Fund, Coach for Girls Little League Softball and Chairman of the Dogwood/Azalea Festival and, in addition, received recognition as winner of the watermelon seed spitting contest.

On June 14, 1968, he married Margaret Tratta who survives of the home.

Also surviving are two children, Scott (Melissa) Rowe of Huntley, Illinois, and Elizabeth (Nick) Gredell of Nixa; five grandchildren, Carson Rowe, Jillian Rowe, Max Gredell, Ellie Grace Gredell, and Lucie Claire Gredell; one brother, Russell Rowe of Sikeston; and one sister, Anne Lawson of Cabot, Arkansas.

He was preceded in by one son, Howard Taylor Rowe; and his parents.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston from 5 p.m. until the Prayer Service at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at St. Henry Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with Father David Dohogne and Father David Coon serving as co-celebrants.

Military Graveside Honors will be held at the Calvary Cemetery followed by interment under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

Pallbearers will be: Michael O'Rourke, Jackie Whiteside, Oliver French, Bobby McKenzie, Richard Logan and Tripp Logan.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

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Memorials may be made to St. Henry Catholic School, 306 Court Street, Charleston, MO 63834.