Barry Rowe

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Barry Alan Rowe Sr., 89, formerly of Joplin, Mo and Iola, KS, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2021. A private service will be held on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at Jessee Osborne Memorial Cemetery, Joplin, MO.

Barry was born July 1, 1932 in Joplin, MO. He was the son of William and Malburn Rowe.

Barry was a two-year member of the United States Army, enlisting on November 26, 1952 – November 23, 1954. Sergeant Barry Rowe was deployed to Korea to fight in the Korean War. While serving his country, Barry was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, as well as a National Defense Service Medal for good conduct.

Barry was united in marriage to Nancy Downey on May 24, 1953 in Joplin, MO. They lived many years in Joplin, MO, until moving to Iola, KS. They went on to have five kids. They enjoyed a life surrounded by family and friends. As a family, they loved to go camping. They were very active in their church. Barry could often be found on the pitching mound during church league softball games or driving one of the many cars he would fix up. At one point he was proud to have the fastest car in Joplin. He played a mean game of Pinochle. He told the best stories, often with grandkids gathered around. Another favorite was giving the grandkids rides on his John Deere lawn mower.

He spent his life working with machinery. From owning his own machine shop to working on brakes, and even designing firing pins for NASA.

Barry is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy on March 4, 2007; his parents, William and Malburn; sons, Alan and Tracy Rowe; brother Lynn Rowe; sister, Billie Ruth Linder, and brother-in-laws Steve and Larry Downey and James Linder.

Survivors include: son Mike and wife Sharon Rowe of Joplin, MO, daughters Melanie and husband Clint Stuckey of Joplin, MO, Mitzi Farran of Humbolt, KS, and daughter-in-law Kristi Rowe of Pittsburg, KS.

Grandchildren: Carmen (Jason) Rowe, Travis (Tara) Rowe, Matthew Stuckey, Mitchell Stuckey, Marshall (Amber) Stuckey, Tracy (Matt) McGarry, Tresha (Anthony) Fink, Casey (Chris) Swartz, Bryce (Ashley) Rowe, Ty (Alexis) Rowe, Cody (fiancé Gracie) Rowe, Elijah Farran, Camrie Farran

Great Grandkids: Riley, Leighton, and Noelle Stuckey, Mekhi McGarry, Adalie Fink, Cait, Collins, and Cooper Swartz, Devin and Autumn Rowe.

Also survived by sister-in-laws: Sally and Anne Downey, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.