Paul Rowe

Paul Otho Rowe, 93, passed away on April 13, 2019 at his home in Irvine, California. He was born on November 10, 1925 in Bremen, Indiana to Clifford (“Dutch”) and Verna (“Vernie”) (Kipfer) Rowe, and was married on August 28, 1953 to Patricia Ruth Minnick, who survives him. Excluding the last seven years, Paul spent substantially his entire life in Bremen, graduating from Bremen High School in 1943, where he was a proud member of the Bremen Marching Band, which he led in 1942 and 1943 as their Drum Major. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps when he was 17 years old and entered active duty in January 1944. He served as a “top gunner” on a B-29 “Super Fortress” bomber. He flew 28 missions in the China/Burma/India and South Pacific theatres during WWII, where he earned several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After flying air support over the USS Missouri when Japan surrendered, Paul was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant, in 1945. He then attended Wabash College, becoming a lifetime member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, graduating in 1950 with a B.A. in economics. Paul started his career working for Studebaker in South Bend, followed by various office and sales positions for local Bremen businesses, retiring from Fidler Inc. in 1990. While living in Bremen, Paul was active in politics (precinct committeeman for ~40 years), in the Lions Club (35 years) and in the American Legion (lifetime member). He was also a lifetime member of the VFW. Paul was a faithful member of the First United Church of Christ in Bremen, where he had served in leadership roles and as part of the Hand Bell Choir. He enjoyed fishing, golf, playing bridge, reading and watching sports, especially his Cubbies. Paul was preceded in death by his parents. In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is survived by his son Michael (Cindy Hill) of Pocatello, ID, and his daughter, Suellen of Irvine, CA. A memorial service will be held at First United Church of Christ in Bremen, Indiana on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the First United Church of Christ in Bremen, Indiana, the Bremen Public Library or the New England Air Museum (58th Bomb Wing Memorial) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Condolences may be sent to Paul’s family at 5142 Skinner Street, Irvine, California 92604.