Berton R. Rowe

Berton R. Rowe, age 82, of Edon, Ohio, passed away at 3:35 A.M. on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers, Bryan, Ohio, where he had been a patient for one week. Berton was born on June 22, 1929, in Grundy, Virginia, to Ervin and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Rowe. He was an Army veteran, serving his country during the Korean Conflict from 1948 to 1950. During that time he attained the rank of Sargent and served as a medic on the front line. He was awarded several military medals, including a Purple Heart. After leaving the Army, Berton worked as a coal miner until 1962, when he and his family relocated to Bryan. He then worked for Pet Milk Company until 1984, when he moved to Archbold, Ohio. He was employed by ITT Higbey, Inc. in Archbold until his retirement in 1998. In 2007, he moved to Edon, Ohio, to be closer to his family. Berton loved spending time outdoors working in his yard and tending his flower gardens. He was an avid bowler in his younger years and also enjoyed playing golf. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the VFW. Berton is survived by his daughter, Linda (David) Freed of Edon, two grandsons, Jeremy (Stephanie) Cape of Toledo, Ohio, and Justin (Kelly) Cape of Chicago, two step-grandsons, Dillon and Dalton Freed, both of New York, and one great-grandson, Julian Christian Cape, of Toledo. He is also survived by one sister, Jean (Tom) Jackson, of Surfside, South Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Solomon Rowe, and three sisters, Delma Compton, Beulah Wood and Geraldine O'Neil. In honor of Berton's wishes, there will be no viewing. There will be a memorial service held to celebrate Berton's life on Monday, November 28, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio, with Reverend John MacFarlane officiating. Family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan, Ohio, with grave side military rites conducted by Bryan VFW Post #2489. Donations in memory of Berton R. Rowe may be made to Bryan VFW Post #2489 or to the First Baptist Church, Bryan, Ohio.