Robert S. Rowe September 17, 1949 - October 26, 2023

Robert S. Rowe

Robert was born September 17, 1949, in Payson, Utah to parents Jeanne and Robert Rowe. He spent the first 16 years of his life growing up in Utah, living in Eureka, Ogden, Layton, and Salt Lake City. In 1965 the family moved to Southern California and Robert graduated from Orange High School in 1967. In 1968 Robert joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at McGuire Airforce Base as a Military Policeman but then was assigned to Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he concluded his service as an enlisted aid having attained the rank of Sergeant. Robert was honorably discharged in 1972. Using his GI benefits, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from California State University Fullerton.

Robert spent his work years as a skilled leader managing customer service centers in Southern California and Nashville, Tennessee. His leadership and keen understanding of consumer needs led him to be honored as a beloved and wise manager when he retired. With his wife Peni, whom he married in 1998, he moved to Franklin, Tennessee for a new job in 2002. They thrived in this capital of country music as they were both gifted musicians.  Robert’s love of music began when he received a Goya guitar as a Christmas gift in 1965.  He became a skillful player and transitioned to the banjo. Living in the Nashville metroplex deepened his love of Appalachian folk music. He could play anything that had strings. Often, he and Peni would play churches and other venues as invited guests.

Robert spent his remaining years in Colorado where he and Peni moved in 2017 to be close to family. The front porch of the home became a music magnet for family and neighbors, The music never stopped until his untimely passing October 26, 2023.

Robert is survived by his wife Peni, his brothers John, Douglas, Jeffery, his niece Jeanne Michelle, along with his four stepdaughters, Janna, Ginger, Jeffi and Jamie. Robert was laid to rest in Spanish Fork, Utah where generations of his family are buried including his beloved mother and grandmother.