Ben Duval Rowe

He was born at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX on December 23, 1934. Ben graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. He attended St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas.

He was married to Joyce Harris Rowe September 30, 1961 and retired in 1998 as Vice President of Risk Management for Minyard Food Stores after 25 years.

He was a frequent speaker to students on ethics, integrity and truthfulness, a mentor for the Dallas County Juvenile Department, an advocate for retail policy initiatives at the Texas State Capitol with Representative Tony Goolsby and Senator John Leedom.

He and Joyce had a passion for coaching youth sports including founding and organizing the Dallas Parochial Schools Girls All-Star Basketball Game.

Ben was the recipient of the Spirit of Texas Award from the Texas Food Industry Association and Volunteer of the Year by the Dallas County Juvenile Department. He was the author of Megapie, The Hand You Were Dealt and co-author, with Joyce, and illustrator of children’s book Can an Alligator Drive a Nail with His Tail?

In addition to being a prolific volunteer and author, Ben, known affectionately as Pop by his grandchildren, was also a talented artist, a pioneer in the field of risk management, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, a US Army veteran, a fun neighbor, a proud grandfather, a faithful husband and a loving dad.

Predeceased by his father, Benjamin Duval Rowe, mother, Marguerite Morris Rowe, sisters Yvonne Rowe Totten and Peggy Rowe Busch.

Ben is survived by his wife of 56 years Joyce, son David and wife Jodi of Orlando, FL, his daughter Jana Sheehan of Fairview, TX and grandchildren Rachel Burduroglu, Carter and Philip Rowe, Kyle and Ryan Sheehan.

A visitation for Ben will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 5-8 PM at Sparkman RICHARDSON Funeral Home.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM also at Sparkman RICHARDSON Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the same location.

The graveside service and burial will be at Zavalla, TX, Cemetery on Friday, August 4 at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan Inn 972-542-5302 in McKinney, TX or Letot Center 214-424-5763 in Dallas.

Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.