It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Dennis Rowe, 72 of Starkville, MS announces his
passing at home on April 18, 2018.

Dr. Rowe was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 21, 1945 to Lawrence and Ruth Rowe. He was raised in Lafayette, IN and attended Purdue University for an undergraduate degree in horticulture. After returning from a stint in the Army in 1971, Dr. Rowe attended Pennsylvania State University where he obtained his PhD in genetics. Dr. Rowe had a long and distinguished career with the United States Department of Agriculture and later as a faculty member at Mississippi State University. He was a Fellow of the Crop Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.

Throughout his 32 years at his home in Starkville, Dr. Rowe could be found tinkering in his tool shed or digging in his many gardens if he was not at a cross country meet or swim meet with his children. After retiring, he and his wife Cheryl travelled extensively both abroad and cross country in their RV. Over the past several years the couple has become a fixture at local restaurants and picnic tables where they enjoyed watching the world turn. Dr. Rowe’s sarcastic wit and good humor will be missed by all those that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dr. Rowe is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Ruth Rowe. He will be lovingly
remembered by his wife of 45 years Cheryl and children Regina (Michael) Hull, Erick, Dennis (Maria), Sherry (Michael Ruby), and Mathew (Megan). Dr. Rowe will be fondly remembered by his sisters Sharon (Gary) Stewart, Janet (Douglas) Hawn, and Nancy. He also leaves behind 8 loving
grandchildren.

A celebration of Dr. Rowe’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 23 at Welch Funeral Home at 201 West Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS 39759 followed by a graveside service at Memorial Garden
Park at 9036 Oktoc Road in Oktibbeha County. Fellowship with the family will follow at the Central Station Grill at 200 South Montgomery Street, Starkville, MS 39759 after the service until 6 p.m.