DONALD LEE ROWE, 85, of Long Beach, California, passed away on Thursday, February, 19, 2015 at The Long Beach Care Center, Long Beach, CA.

He was born January 21, 1930 at South Gate, CA. He was the owner of Rowe Roofing Company and was a beloved member of the Belmont Shore, Long Beach community having resided there for over 60 years. Don proudly served in the Korean War from 4 Dec 1947 to 17 Dec 1951 as a Corpsman. During his distinguished service, he was stationed at the U. S. Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan from Dec 1950 to Dec 1951 in surgical ward & pre-op, NP Ward clerical. For his exemplary military tenure to The United States of America, Don received The Navy Occupational Medal, The Korean Service  Medal and The Unit Citation Award for Outstanding Service throughout the Chosin Reservoir Campaign.

Don married his teenaged sweet heart and mother to his children, Charlene LaVonne Smith on April 20, 1954 in Long Beach, California;  (divorced) and they remained lifelong friends.  He was dearly loved by all who knew him,with his great sense of humor and giving ways.  A wonderful and devoted father, and grandfather; an honest, loyal friend, a hard worker and a man of faith, he was blessed with a life filled with heart-felt love and great respect by those who had the honor and pleasure to know him. He enjoyed football, wood crafts, spending time with family and friends and caring for his pets. His love of animals began in his youth having his horse, Chico, on a ranch which he hand built at age 16 with his father, and continued throughout his life.  At the time of his passing, he cared for a dog, 2 cats and a dove aviary with dozens of birds that had expanded from having saved the life of one injured dove. His heart of compassion for all living things was a trait known by many.

Don is survived by his three children, Darilyn LeAnne Rowe-Pourcheresse (Rene), Peggy Lynn Rowe and Patricia Linette Rowe-Mark; his five grandchildren Anthony
Eric Estrada, Brandon Michael-paul Estrada, Joshua Lee Lauchu-Rowe, Deana Cheri Balsimo, Camille Crystal Pourcheresse; his sister Phyllis Adelia Rowe-Swift;
his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and dear friends, including Phyllis Schmidt.  

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Albion Lee Rowe, b. 1892 and Anna Adelia Murray-Rowe, b. 1902 ; as well as his sister,Leona Anna Rowe-Smith, b. 1925.

And so the earthly life of this good man closed peacefully in his sleep; he fought a good fight, he finished the course, he kept the faith. His is the crown of kindness, wisdom and goodness.  The Lord welcomes him into His presence proclaiming, “Well done, good and faithful servant."  His descendants who remain have received a legacy above rubies in price.  He left us the priceless riches of a good name.  Peace be to his soul.