Mr. Robert Allen Rowe, P.E. Retired Professional Engineer, US Army, Corps of Engineers
Augusta, GA - Passed away May 1, 2016 at 81 years of age, peacefully surrounded by his family at Augusta University Medical Center. Allen was the only son and the pride and joy of the late Rosa Alma (Ansley) and Andrew Deas Rowe of Augusta. Mr. Rowe was a proud 1953 cadet and graduate of the Academy of Richmond County. Allen was an even prouder “Wramblin’ Wreck” from Georgia Tech when he earned his Degree in Architecture June of 1957.
He began his career with the US Army Corps of Engineers in July 1957 and retired after 42 years of service. Mr. Rowe progressed rapidly and repeatedly demonstrated good sound engineering training and excellent construction management skills. As one of the Corps' Senior Construction Management Engineers he was responsible for the construction of major civil structures in 12 states and in Saudi Arabia. His most memorable projects were; ICBM Missile Bases, schools, post offices, The Richard B. Russell Dam and Powerhouse, and five major military medical centers and hospitals; Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center at Fort Gordon, GA; Winn Medical Center at Fort Stewart, GA; Madigan Medical Center at Fort Lewis, WA; Brooke Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, TX; and Womack Medical Center at Fort Bragg, NC. During the 1970s for a period of ten years, he was responsible for all the Corps of Engineer’s construction projects at Fort Gordon and in the Augusta area. While in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Rowe was the project manager of the world’s largest construction project at the time, King Abulaziz Military Academy. All of his projects were very successful, within budget, and on time. Over the years, Allen gained the nick name, "Mr. Military Hospital." He traveled throughout the nation and overseas as the Corp’s authority on construction means and methods, reviewing contract documents for military medical projects, before they were released for bidding. He received many awards and recognitions including the Secretary of the Army's decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, twice. (Highest award given to a civilian by the Army.) He was known for his management style, he was a true partner with the contractors and users, he wanted the projects to be successful and the contractors to be successful. Most of the people he interfaced with would tell you that he was strict, but fair. He was highly respected and admired; known for his dignity, grace, sense of humor, honor and courage. He was also a good friend to many people who crossed his path over the years. He was forever grateful for the Total Person education he received at Georgia Tech. He was a registered Professional Engineer, a 59 year member of the Stinger Club, and a 50 year member of the Architects of America.
Allen was a loving husband and father. He met the Love of his Life, Barbara Ann Hall, while attending school in Atlanta and enjoyed EVERY moment of their 59 years of marriage. Together they made over 20 moves to progress their career. Along their journey they produced three fun loving children who survive Mr. Rowe; Son; Robert Allen Rowe, II of Denver, CO, daughter; Sherrie Ann Rowe of Augusta, GA and another son; Kenneth Dean Rowe, his wife Yolanda and their son Adrian of Millington, TN. Together the Rowe gang learned to read using highway signs, learned the stars by night travel, how to get along together in the boondocks with the coyotes howling, how to survive in a fallout shelter in tornado alley, how to throw a baseball, how to build and race a soap box derby racer, how to win and loose gracefully, how to standup for yourself and someone else. Together they were all campers, Eagle Scouts and Order of the Arrow Scouts, Girl Scouts, Honorary ‘Daisies’, baseball players, football players, track team runners, cadets and graduates of the Academy of Richmond County.
Together they marched over every historical park, art gallery, and playground in their path. They followed their passions using their father’s advice and turned into an archeologist, a graphic designer and a naval senior chief who now runs the Navy Personnel Command.
Allen was adored and already greatly missed by Barbara, Rob, Sherrie and Ken. Allen is also survived by his best childhood friend, his sister Dr. Joanne Rowe of Largo, Florida. Together the two of them made many great memories in old Augusta. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Allen's name may be made to a charity of choice if so desired.
Mr. Rowe donated his body to the Augusta University Medical Center hopeful that the knowledge gained by scientific study will benefit many others. Interment will be private at a later date. “Go Jackets, to hell with Georgia!” Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com