Walter William Rowe

Mr. Walter William Rowe, 81 of Waco passed away on Thursday, August, 11, 2016. Funeral services will he conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at First United Methodist Church in Waco with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Moore Cemetery in Chalk Bluff. Pallbearers will be Kyle Rowe, Aaron Robinson, Robert Mason, David Rowe, Denny Copeland, and Charlie Baker.

Walter was born on December 30, 1934 in Coryell City, Texas to the late Melvin and Nannie Rowe. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served his country with pride. Walter was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he was involved in many organizations. Walter was a member of the Maranatha Sunday School Class, Men for Missions, the Thursday Morning Men's Prayer Group, and worked as a Stephen Minister.

Walter began his career with a Bachelor's of Science degree from Sam Houston State University and a Master's in Social Work from Tulane University. He worked at the VA Hospital as a social worker, with a special emphasis on veterans with PTSD from 1967 until his retirement in 1995. In retirement, Walter was active as a volunteer counselor with the National Association of Mental Illness.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sylvia Rowe of Waco; son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Leslie Rowe of Waco; daughter and son-in-law, Kellie and Rev. Tim Bracken of Cleveland, Tennessee; grandchildren, Megan Rower-Robinson and husband, Aaron Robinson, Joshua Bracken, and Hannah Bracken; great-granddaughter, River Robinson; sisters, Mary Ann Seward and Pricilla Martin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was also preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Rowe, and his sister, Norma Lynn Golden.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Men for Missions program or First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee for ESUMC Prague, Czech Republic.

First United Methodist Church in Waco

First United Methodist Church in Waco

Moore Cemetery in Chalk Bluff