Edward Ed Rowe gladly shared his time, energy and love with the world, expecting little in return. With Ed, the cup was always half full and each day held promises for good things to come. A prankster who loved to joke and tease, he was truly a kid at heart, ready to share his joy for life with all those around him. The year 1943 found the United States deeply engulfed in the battles of World War II. While generals celebrated the dedication of The Pentagon, thousands of miles away soldiers engaged in the Battle of Guadalcanal, defeating Japanese troops. In Muskegon, Michigan, Reginald James and Marion Irene (Spooner) Rowe were having a celebration of their own, along with keeping an eye on their own troops. Ed Rowe was born on Halloween, October 31, 1943, the eleventh of twelve children. Eighteen years separated Ed from his oldest sibling, Kenneth - years that were marked by the births of Raymond, Franklin, Leslie, Delores, David, Reginald, Doris, Charles, and Darlene. Baby Violet completed the family. Eds father worked two jobs to support his growing family. During the week, he toiled in a machine shop, supplementing his earnings as a part-time minister on Sundays. Marion had her hands and her days full, taking care of their home and family. Having a large family meant that everyone did their best to help out. The older siblings worked to earn money to pay the bills while Dads check bought the food. Eds job seemed to be to provide entertainment for his older brothers and sisters, often the object of their jokes and pranks. Being the youngest boy also meant hand-me-downs, and Ed remembered his grandmother as being an expert at patching clothing. When oldest brother Kenneth got married, he and his wife were like surrogate parents to young Ed. His sister-in-law would fondly remind Ed as he grew older, that he had called her an old battle axe, - something he vehemently denied. Just so he wouldnt forget, she always signed her cards Love, old Battle Axe. Ed often remarked that his brother and wife were old enough to be his parents but young enough to be cool. Formal schooling was not for young Ed and he quit school at the 8th grade. He had a strong work ethic and knew hard work was going to be his path in life. He finally found his niche working at a gas station and ended up managing the three Total stations in the area. His hard work and dedication helped to lead the change from just a gas station to gas station and convenience store. In 1963, Ed married Wanda Carlson and they became the proud parents of son, Ronald. However, Ed and Wanda separated in 1966 and Ed married Barb Krukowski. When son Michael came along, Ed felt truly blessed. By the early 1970s Ed and Barbs marriage had ended and Phyllis Sullivan entered his life, with two boys of her own, Robin and Hodge. On October 29, 1976, just before his 33rd birthday, Ed and Phyllis were married in a real shot gun wedding, with Phylliss eight-year old son, Robin, holding the shot gun. It was the start of a wonderful day and a wonderful 31 years together as a family. Life was good for Ed and Phyllis, full of hard work and lots of fun. Phyllis worked at the gas stations and helped to manage the convenience stores. Working side by side allowed them to have time for fun. The family enjoyed many camping and fishing trips, which Ed loved. From motorcycles in the summer Ed loved Hondas and owned 13 different ones over the years to snowmobiles in the winter, Ed was always ready to play. His sons have great memories of their dad making ice skating rinks for them in the winter, and taking them on hunting excursions. Most recently camping at Leisure Haven campground and smoking meat for all of his friends and family. Growing up in a family of pranksters, Ed had learned a trick or two, and shared these with his sons. He also loved gadgets and always had to have the newest ones on the market. This led to one of Eds favorite pranks - hiding an intercom in the boys room, and listening to all their conversations. But the boys knew that it was all in fun and took everything in stride. As they began dating and then marrying, Ed always treated the girls with respect. He may have messed with his boys but he catered to the women in his life, especially Phyllis. As a family, Ed taught them all his famous Y dance, which they still do. It has been said that this is a sacred event, something you have to experience to understand. Ed and Phyllis worked together for eight years. The boys loved their dads job they got to go to the vendor show previews and sample all the new candies before they hit the shelves. This naturally made them the envy of all their friends. But after the eight years they sold the station and now it was time for some traveling, with Florida as their destination. They bought an old school bus and converted it into a motorhome to take them back and forth to Florida in style. Ed even designed a train track, complete with surrounding village, that was suspended around the inside top of the bus. During their stays in Florida, Phyllis worked at a local Dennys, while Ed earned the title house husband, by always working , not just from 9 to 5. In 1995, Ed suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on his left side, but did nothing to diminish his zest for life. Now a proud grandfather, Ed loved playing with his grandchildren and would race them across the yard or around the house, riding in his electric cart. With the children married and on their own, Ed began filling his home with his girls his dogs. While in the hospital he would often talk about his girls being left at home. The nurses couldnt figure out how Phyllis could be at the hospital all that time and leave their girls at home. The confusion ended when Phyllis explained that the girls were of the 4-legged variety. Ed loved his dogs, liked his nurses, but hated the doctors. He wanted them to fix him NOW and let him out of the hospital. With music in his heart, Ed had always been passionate about playing the drums, something he was able to continue even after his stroke. He was often part of the services at the Central Assembly of God, the Grand Haven Church of God and the Unquenchable Fire Ministries. Right before his passing, Ed and Phyllis took a cruise with their son Mike, enjoying the beauty and amenities aboard the Paradise, where Ed discovered the delights of Catalina Island, off the coast of California. Sadly, Ed died on October 26, 2007, at the age of 63. With an unquenchable fire for life, Ed Rowe let nothing slow him down. Each day was a best day, especially if shared with his loved ones. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all. Mr. Edward "Ed" Rowe, age 63, died Friday, October 26, 2007. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; sons: Ronald, Michael (Theresa), Dimagio (Melanie) Jimenez, and Robin (Rebecca DeLora) Jimenez; all from Muskegon; grandchildren, Russell, Kathy, Sara, Jesica, Kayleigh, Courtney, Antonio, Eric, Catie, Jeremy, Heather, Thad, Rachael 1 great grandson, James; brothers; Frank (Lavon) Rowe, Leslie (Pat) Rowe; and two ex-wives who are the mothers of his sons - Wanda Carlson, Barbara (Krukowski) Rowe. He was preceded in death by his parents, 9 siblings and a stepdaughter Kimberly. Family will notify friends and family and hold a memorial service in celebration of Ed's life at a later date to be announced. Those wishing may make a memorial contribution to The Salvation Army - Muskegon, MI. Please visit Eds personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Muskegon
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