Richard John Rowe

grandfather passed away at the age of 99. He was born on March 30,

1922 in Patagonia, Arizona. He was raised there and graduated from

Patagonia High School.

Dick was a veteran of World War II. He served in the Army Air

Corps in Europe. During his 49th mission, his plane was hit by flak and

shot down. He was forced to parachute out, was injured, and landed

in enemy territory. He was captured and held as a Prisoner of War for

14 months. He was forced into "The March" with thousands of other

western Allied POW's for 81 days finally being liberated at the end of

the war.

He returned home to Patagonia. On September 19, 1952. He married

Angelita “Chickie” Jimenez, and together they devotedly began raising

their four children. After moving to Tucson, he worked and retired

from San Manuel Mine. He was then able to devote time to creative

endeavors that included numerous wood projects in “Tata’s shed”. He

loved reading and watching old westerns. He admired the art of

Michelangelo and many poets, especially Thoreau. He had a talent for

drawing. He worked on home and car repairs. He enjoyed taking road

trips through Arizona and Nevada. He especially looked forward to

"church day" at San Xavier Mission, followed by treating for dinner.

He was always mindful of others, including them in his prayers and

willing to lend a hand. He was a compassionate, non-materialistic

person. He believed in a simple way of living.

Dick was preceded in death by his father Richard Henry Rowe,

his mother Teresa Torres Rowe, sisters Mary and Jeannette (Dolly),

and brother Charles (Charlie). He is survived by his beloved wife

Angelita, his children Lydia (Kim), Richard II (Elena), Rowena (Paul),

Kenneth; 6 grandchildren; Ranee, Michelle, Richard III (Evelyn),

Amara, Rita (Ian), Krista (Aldo); 8 great grandchildren; Marcelo,

Alexis, Jacqueline, Sophia, Chloe, Andrew, Liliana, Mia, as well as

numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is

known and loved by many, and will be forever greatly missed.

*A private memorial service will be held on Monday, July 26, 2021 at

10:00 am at San Xavier del Bac Mission, 1950 W San Xavier Road,

Tucson, Arizona

Burial with military honors will be held at Patagonia Cemetery on

Monday, July 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either the

Patronato San Xavier Conservation Fund

at https://patronatosanxavier.org/donate/

(or by mail to):

Patronato San Xavier

PO Box 522

Tucson, AZ 85702

Or to the

San Xavier del Bac Mission & School

at https://sanxaviermission.org/support-us-1

(or by mail to):

Attn: Pastor

1950 W. San Xavier Road

Tucson, AZ 85746-7409

*Numbers are limited at the memorial service due to COVID protocol.

The service will be outside in the garden area of the Mission as the

indoor area is not currently being used for services.

https://sanxaviermission.org/covid-19

Please share your memories, thoughts and photos in celebration of his

life online through the site provided by Funeraria del Angel South Lawn

at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funerariasdelangel