Kenneth Albert Rowley

Ken was a Mechanic on the Junker JU52 owned by Martin Caidin and was very interested in the B17 bombers that his father piloted in World War Two. He worked for Hobby Box and owned Ken’s Hobby Shop in Merritt Island. He enjoyed building many different kinds of models and made realistic scenes with the models for various organizations.

Big Yachts was one of his passions and he enjoyed looking through these magazines and following their travels throughout the world.

When computers became the rage, Ken learned all that he could about them and was very talented at building, programming and repairing them for anyone who needed help. He taught several people how to build their own computers and welcomed the opportunity to talk to people about them.

Ken was best known around the county for his Black Van with the Dragon and His Tail painted on the side. This was a replica of a painting that was on a B17 Bomber in WWII.

Ken is a lifetime member of ABATE and spent many long hours at the Mall each Christmas during the Toy Runs. He designed many of the T-shirts that were worn for this wonderful group of bikers that helped children receive gifts for Christmas.

Many years ago Ken, Martin Caidin, Terry Ritter and Ken Everson designed and made legs for Ken to use to walk without the aid of crutches. Ed Frank from the March of Dimes came to Cape Canaveral and filmed Ken walking across the room and back proving that it could be done.

Although Ken spent many years in a wheelchair, he did not let it stop him from having a full life. He was an inspiration to many and he will truly be missed. He is survived by his sister Karen Rush of Cocoa, brother John Rowley of Marlborough, Connecticut; nieces and nephews Kimberly Jennings, Corrin Penerian, Edward Rush of Florida, Jessica Trusz and Neil Rowley of Connecticut, and ten great-nieces and nephews. He will also be sadly missed by his many friends that will cherish their shared good times together.

I hope you can all attend the Memorial Service at Wylie Baxley Funeral Home on Saturday, January 11th. Visitation will be at 2:00 followed by the service at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walk on Water Ministries, therapeutic horseback riding, 3330 Perkinson Lane, Merritt Island, FL.