Frank Odum Rowe's Obituary
Frank Odum Rowe, age 68, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away Monday, October 14, 2024. He was born November 9, 1955, in Lake Village, AR, a son of the late Waymon Andrew Rowe, Sr, and Barbara Appel Rowe. A brother, John Thomas Rowe and sister, Jessica Rowe, both preceded him in death.
Frank married Melissa, and they began their lives together in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where they were regulars at the Arkansas Razorback Football games. At that time, students could get in for $5.00 for endzone seats. Frank was a Pi Kappa Alpha and often showed off his road rash scar from attempting to skateboard down Dickson Street. Frank graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Marketing.
After college, Frank continued his love-hate relationship with the Arkansas Razorbacks and worked for four newspapers in Arkansas and Texas, finally landing a Publishers’ job. Frank briefly taught Business English. Frank was active in the community and worked with organizations raising funds for local nonprofits. He served on festival committees, as a Rotarian, and as a deacon of the Presbyterian Church. He was instrumental in the start-up of a daily “soup kitchen,” served on the United Way, and served on various finance committees. He had numerous professional accomplishments and community accolades.
Of his many accomplishments, Frank was most proud of his two sons, Mitchell and Ethan.
Mitchell, the oldest, loved to travel. Frank took Mitchell on many journeys, including a tour of Blockbuster Videos and an “East Coast Swing” from Florida to Maine, visiting lighthouses along the way. In 1999, Frank became a living organ donor with a kidney donation to Mitchell.
Ethan, the youngest, loved music and shared Frank’s love of basketball. Frank instructed Ethan and coached his youth basketball team. Watching Ethan play basketball was one of Frank’s joys, and as a former basketball ref himself, Frank would often chastise the refs at Ethan’s games. They regularly did post-game analyses of Ethan’s games. Frank loved listening to Ethan play his guitar and went to listen to Ethan play at local venues. However, during Ethan’s experimental hard rock stage, Frank spent many evenings sitting in the quiet outside while the band practiced in the basement.
After 40 years away, Frank moved back to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to be nearer to both his boys, whose lives had taken them to Northwest Arkansas. Frank battled MDS and Multiple Myeloma with the help of Highlands Oncology. He beat the odds repeatedly for several years. Ultimately, cancer proved to be a formidable opponent, and he said his final goodbyes at the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas.
Survivors are his wife, Melissa Campbell Rowe; his sons, Mitchell Andrew Rowe, Ethan Clark Rowe; a brother, Waymon Rowe, Jr; and sisters, Laura Van Meter, and Tracy Rowe.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the newly formed Frank Rowe Special Needs Fund with the Arts with Grace Foundation to benefit those raising special needs kids: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/c7d8a2dd-83b4-4b1b-99c8-c25f0568168a
Cremation arrangements are by Nelson Berna Funeral Home.
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