Donald Sherwood Rowe, Jr.

Donald Sherwood Rowe, Jr of Arlington, TX, Husband, Father, Grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 8, 2025, at the age of 86 years. Don will be forever known as sharing a kind word and joke to anyone in his path whether you wanted to hear a joke or not. His humor, spunky spirit and comedy will be sorely missed.

Born to Donald Rowe Sr. and Mabel Rowe in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Don was the apple of his parent’s eyes. Don became interested in fixing automobiles and learning how to be handy around the house and yard at a young age. As a child he was a big help to his mom while his dad was a traveling salesman for Northwestern Mutual Insurance. In high school he delivered flowers for his Mom’s Florist Shop and somehow was not fond of flowers (but Carole is very fond of flowers). He also took care of the family dog growing up and displayed a love of dogs. His most beloved dog, Buddy, a rescued West Highland terrier, was his favorite and brought him a lot of joy. He loved all things Snoopy, especially Aviator Snoopy and his flying doghouse.

After Don graduated Juneau High School in 1956, he pursued and earned a Business Degree from Carroll College (now Carroll University) in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was a member of Phi Theta Pi fraternity. While he was at Carroll, he began dating Carole, whom he had met at a bakery several years earlier. Carole was the love of his life. They married in 1961 and celebrated 63 years of marriage last June.

Upon his 1960 college graduation, Don enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard Reserves and served honorably for six years. He worked a variety of several jobs until he found where he was supposed to be as a Store Manager at a Firestone Tire Store in North Milwaukee. It was at Firestone he expanded his interest in racing of any kind, particularly Indy racing cars who used Firestone tires. He was able meet AJ Foyt and participated in many kinds of racing events as a Firestone Representative. The love of racing also introduced him to a neighbor who loved fast cars and drag racing. Tom Rhoda (and his dear wife Debbie), whom has been his best friend for over 50 years. In the early 70’s he was offered Ownership in a brand-new store in Brookfield just a few miles away from the house. He would come home at lunch every day for a sandwich, glass of milk and a cookie and his clothes smelled like tires.

Don was always fixing up an older vehicle and making it run and shine again. He imparted his mechanic skills and wisdom upon his son Kevin. From the time Kevin was in Middle school through college they worked on many project vehicles. Most memorable car projects they restored together was a Cobra Shelby and Pantera.

In 1983, he sold his Firestone store ownership when he was offered an opportunity with Airco Industrial Gases as a Regional Director. He chose the position in Dallas, Texas. Don was built for Texas! He already owned cowboy boots, a hat and loved Country music. He moved the family to Arlington in February of 1984 and never looked back. Although his position with Airco only lasted two years, Don was quickly able to adapt and went to UTA to earn a real estate license. He has held a variety of real estate jobs over the past 40 years. Most notable real estate jobs he held were at Century 21 Sutherland and Trinity River Authority. At Century 21 Sutherland, Don was selling both Residential and Commercial properties during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He earned several company awards as Top-Seller throughout the years. He worked with Trinity River Authority in the 2000’s as a Property Acquisition Agent for land waterways and after 15 years and finally retired. For fun and to stay active, he worked at Home Depot as an Associate which provided a whole new audience of customers to tell his jokes. He enjoyed meeting and helping people with their projects until his health declined in early 2020.

In December of 2021, while close to being released from Hospital Rehabilitation, Don suffered a Pulmonary Embolism in the middle of the night. By the grace God, a nurse was with him and revived him. Clearly it was not his time to go, and we received the gift of three and half additional years to spend with him.

We would like to thank all the health care professionals that treated Dad with compassionate care. Concho Hearts Hospice care especially for attentive care in his final six months, Pastor Jerry for praying with him and mom as well as listening to his jokes, The Isle at Watercrest in Mansfield’s entire staff and Barbara who transported him to multiple doctor appointments and treatments.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Donald Rowe Sr., Mother, Mabel Rowe.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole and their two children: Tracy Privitt (Bret) of Hudson Oaks and Kevin Rowe (Teresa) of Grapevine. He is survived by his grandchildren: Colton Privitt (Kayla), Connor Privitt, Tyler Bentz and Tanner Bentz.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held June 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM, Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MikeRoweWorks.org (no relation) to support scholarships for kids going into trades like auto mechanics, SPCA or a West Highland Terrier Rescue Organization.

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Donald Sherwood Rowe, Jr., by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.