Joe Rowe passed away at the age of 81.

Born on May 20, 1945, he spent much of his life enjoying the outdoors. Fishing was one of his greatest pleasures, especially trotline fishing with his brothers, Jessie and Harvey, and his longtime friend Leo Nash. In later years, he enjoyed fly fishing in New Mexico with Mickey and Phillip Sorrell. He loved the wideopen spaces of West Texas, its sunsets, the desert, and even the stormy nights that sometimes added challenges to his work as an oilfield electrician. He also enjoyed several float trips down the Rio Grande with friends Connie Mack and Jon Cooledge.

He worked for 26 years with Shell Pipeline. Following retirement, he continued working with the Texas Division of NASAD, a branch of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Faith, service, and community were important parts of his life. He served as a Sunday School teacher and led Royal Ambassadors (R.A.s) at his church. Over the years, he volunteered in many capacities, including serving as longtime treasurer, road committee chairman, and legal liaison for the DMPOA. He was also an ambulance driver for the Mountain Medics and was Assistant Fire Chief with Davis Mountains Resort Volunteer Fire Department. As a longtime volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), he helped children in need and often said it was one of the most difficult but important roles he ever held.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Arp; brother, Jessie Rowe and wife Lola; his son, Dan Rowe and fiancée Jacquelyn Kelley; his son, Mikel Rowe and wife Shinobu Rowe; and Andrea Esse and husband Scott Esse; Melinda Dean Doyal.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, especially Paul Rowe and Valerea Brand.

His grandchildren are Amanda Garcia and husband Nathan, Evan Rowe, Elijah Rowe and fiancée Ashley Mercedes, Savanna Esse, Mason Esse, Colton Esse, Yuri Griffin and husband Adam, Kellen Rowe and wife Maddie, Max Rowe and wife Carter, Wade Weaver, Catlin, Baylon, and Dillon Dean.

His great-grandchildren are Iven Cole Garcia, Jerimiah Garcia, Henry Hennigan, Lucas Griffin, and Benjamin Rowe.

He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to others, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.

A Visitation was held Saturday, August 8, 2026, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Davis Mountain Funeral Hall / Mobile Mortician of Texas, 43430 State Hwy 17 South, Fort Davis.

The funeral Service was held Sunday, August 9, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the DMR Baptist Church.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at Mobile Mortician of Texas’ website: www. mmoftexas.com.