Franklin Ellis Rowe

Franklin Ellis Rowe, 97, passed away March 31, 2026, at Willow Brook Christian Village, Delaware, Ohio, where he resided. He was born on January 4, 1929, to Floyd and Mary Ella Rowe in Ada, Ohio, where his father served as pastor of the Methodist Church.

Frank graduated from Toledo Libbey High School in 1947 and Bowling Green State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. While teaching English at Elmore High School, he went on to earn a Divinity degree at Oberlin Seminary in 1958 and was ordained as a Methodist minister.

His entire ministry was within the West Ohio Conference, serving congregations in Genoa, North Baltimore, Lima, Columbus, Zanesville, and Bryan, Ohio. He concluded his ministry as the District Superintendent of the Athens District of the United Methodist Church.

Frank was married to Beverly Hessey Rowe for 72 years until her death in 2020. Along with Beverly, he is predeceased by his parents, siblings, Myrtle Lutterbein and Mary Lois Costa, his son, John and granddaughter, Allison. He is survived by daughter-in-law Teri (Rowe) Roubal who together with Frank’s son, John, had five children, Julie (Brad) Luczywo, Isaac (Silvia) Rowe, Samuel Rowe, Joanna Rowe, and Susanna (Jack) Yoder. He is also survived by Steve (Lauri) Rowe and their five children, Nathan (Amanda) Rowe, Andrew (Megan DeHaan) Rowe, Peter (Kate Martin) Rowe, Ginny (Sean) Nightingale, and Seth (Julie) Rowe. His 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren were always close to his heart.

After retirement, Frank and Beverly traveled in their camper and participated in many United Methodist ‘Volunteers in Mission’ projects. He enjoyed a broad spectrum of activities during his adult life – camping, golfing, gardening, woodworking, bowling, horseshoes, fishing, bridge and visiting grandchildren.

Frank and Bev lived happily at Willow Brook Christian Village for 10 years and then Frank continued his residence there until his death. Frank and Bev created a personal ministry there where Frank delivered zinnias (grown in his garden) and chocolates on residents’ birthdays. The family is thankful for the extraordinary care and support Frank received from staff and fellow residents at Willow Brook.

A Celebration of Life for Frank and Bev will be held in the Terrace Room at Willow Brook Christian Village, 100 Willow Brook Way S., Delaware, Ohio on April 25, 2026. The family will greet friends at 10 am and the Celebration of Life will follow at 11. In lieu of memorial gifts and in honor of Frank and Bev, take flowers or chocolates to someone who might not be expecting them on their next birthday.