Mr. Kerns Edward Rowe

Kerns E. Rowe, 80 passed away in Orlando, FL on September 28th. He was born Kerns Edward Rowe on January 21, 1933 in Whitesville, NY to Joseph C. Rowe and Reva B. Wilson. After graduating from Olean High School in Olean, NY in 1951, Kerns attended the Indiana Technical Institute and received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He moved to Orlando in 1961 to work for Martin Marietta and would continue to work for Lockheed Martin until his retirement in 1997. Kerns was a man of many interests and talents. In his early years he played the trombone, was on the college tennis and fencing teams and played golf as time would allow. He always had affection for flying, piloting single-engine planes himself for several years and building model and wind-up planes as a lifelong hobby. More recently he became a pretty good billiards player spending time playing pool with friends and neighbors. The “engineering mentality” permeated his life outside of work as well. He was a tinkerer and enjoyed fixing things. Known to many as a friendly person and good conversationalist, Kerns also enjoyed internet research of mutual funds and stocks and bonds, and proudly “beat the market” year over year. His artistic and creative side was expressed through water colors and he drew inspiration from artists like Thomas Kinkade and welcomed the challenge to further understand their significance and apply that to his canvas creations. Kerns Rowe’s most noteworthy accomplishments were his stewardship at St. John Vianney Catholic Church and his compassion and commitment to community. As a volunteer he served his family and his community in many roles including Indian Guides and Cub Scouts, RCIA and a devoted Eucharistic minister, and also served his Home Owners Associations. After retirement, he donated his time and energy to Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and administering to the sick in nursing homes. Husband, father, friend and mentor, Kerns will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. May he rest in peace and in the light of our Lord. Kerns is survived by his wife Marie, his children Cecilia, Keith, Kevin, Michael, and Lisa and grandchildren and great grandchildren. A service to celebrate the life of Kerns E. Rowe will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church on Monday October 7, 2013 at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Mr. Kerns Edward Rowe

January 21, 1933 - September 28, 2013