Ken was not only my mentor but one of my best friends.  He always encouraged me. Now I go it alone working on some historical projects he encouraged me to pursue. He is constantly by my side as I work on Methodism, Civil War and other historical research. I am so indebted to his many years of friendship and miss him dearly.Rev. Thomas L. Shanklin

It's two years since you went to be with Mom and Dad. The emptiness in my heart still remains. You were the best brother and I find myself reminiscing all the fun we had as kids. Rest in peace. Love and hugs from your sister  Nannette  and family.

Still missing my professor, colleague, friend, mentor of so many years.  Ken, you will always be loved and missed. Rest in Peace.

Ken..it's  been a year since you went to be with Mom and Dad..I miss you terribly,even tho we were far apart miles ways you were never out of my mind..I bought a lantern w/ 3 candles in it- one to represent you, Mom and Dad..it's beautiful when it glows..you were the best brother I could  ask for and I miss you so much.love you and  miss you more..Nannette




We kept in touch by phone often. When he was up North, all of us would enjoy a dinner at Red Lobster and reminence about the good times we all had together. Ken certainly was a good brother to Connie and me. Your passing has left a big hole in my heart and I am deeply saddened. Though my tears are frequent when I remember you and how you touched my life. I know you are reunited with Mom, Dad, Aunt Millie and Grammy. Rest in eternal peace.... loving remembered always... as you would sign your cards to me "love hugs and kisses" from your sister.....Nannette  

Ken had more surviving family members- 2 sisters- Nannette and Connie.  He was uncle to 6, great uncle to 14, great uncle to 14 children. He was predeceased by his brother Hayden. I have vivid memories of Ken and my childhood. Our coal miner father  and garment factory mother gave us a comfortable lifestyle teaching us values based on family,love and respect. Ken was bitten by a copperhead snake and carried those scars as a reminder all his life. Ken showed me how to  ski and sleigh ride down Chestnut Hill paths, made a dam in the creek so we could swim. He designed tire chains for his bike so he could bike ride in the snow...go figure!! Yearly Ken and Dad would visit all the car dealerships for updated  information  on the new cars. He amassed a large collection which is now housed in Allentown Car Museum. Every summer we accompanied Grammy Rowe to Stumble Inn cottage at Lake Harmony. Since the cabin had no electricity, each morning Ken and  I would take our small row boat (the Mary Jane) and row down to Getz Ice House to get ice. Ken had to chip at the ice to fit into the freezer. Later on all 3 of us would take the big row boat and row along the lake shore to pick wild huckleberry berries to make pies and muffins. Ken was a natural in the kitchen. The rest of the summer was spent at the Jersey shore for a week and then going to upstate New York to visit the Bogart and Stella families. After graduating from Nesquehoning High with highest honors, Ken planned on becoming a physician but he changed his mind, going to Yale and then to Drew to pursue the ministry. He taught theology at both Drew and Princeton Universitys. Ken baptized all 6 of my children and was God father to Lisa. Ken officiated at Jerry and my 50th renewal of our wedding vows. Three years ago he married my granddaughter Emily to Ian at Stroudsmoor where he danced the night away...from slow tunes to the electric slide...he really enjoyed himself!! Although our lives took different paths, 

Ken.  A friend. Colleague. Mentor. Professor.  My friend for fifty years.  Rest in peace my beloved friend.  Tom

OBITUARY

Kenneth Elmer Rowe

15 April, 1937 – 8 October, 2021

Cotten Funeral Home

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