Lonnie Edward Rowe, 77, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully and quietly in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 5:22 a.m., following an extended illness. He was at home, exactly where he wished to be, in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of the life he built, with his beloved wife, Shirley, faithfully at his side.

Born on August 10, 1947, in LaPorte, Indiana, Lonnie was the son of the late Jess and Tressie (Mann) Rowe. He grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility, values that carried through every chapter of his life. In 1984, he met Shirley Roxanne (Kern) while working at Ventline Products in Bristol. What began as a workplace friendship soon blossomed into a deep and abiding love. They were married in 1987 and spent a total of 41 years wonderful together, a partnership built on devotion, faith, and an unbreakable bond.

Lonnie's legacy lives on through his loving family. He is survived by his sons, Jeremy E. (Jayme) Rowe of Edwardsburg, Michigan, and Jonathon J. (Katie) Rowe of Goshen. He was also a proud and doting grandfather to Deandra G., Wyatt E., Charlotte M., and Josephine R. Rowe, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy and pride.

Lonnie's life was one of service, sacrifice, and honor. In 1966, shortly after finishing high school, he answered the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with distinction as an armored intelligence scout with D Troop, 7th Battalion of the 17th Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam. It was during this time that he was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart. His experience in Vietnam left an indelible mark on him, shaping the man he would become. Unfortunately, his service also exposed him to the deadly defoliant known as Agent Orange, which led to many of the health complications he bravely battled for years. Though his body ultimately succumbed, his spirit remained unbroken. Today, we honor his sacrifice and courage, grateful for the freedoms he helped to preserve.

After returning home, Lonnie transitioned into civilian life with resilience and determination. He spent many years working in the local RV industry, holding managerial positions and forging lasting friendships with his colleagues. His work ethic was unmatched, but it was his family that truly brought him fulfillment. Lonnie cherished every moment spent with his wife and sons, later extending that same love to his grandchildren. He was always present, whether it was supporting his sons in Boy Scouts, attending Concord Band performances, or simply being there for the everyday moments that matter most. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he never missed an opportunity to remind them just how much they meant to him.

Beyond his career and family, Lonnie had a passion for travel, particularly when it came to attending combat reunions and reconnecting with his fellow veterans. These gatherings were not just social events; they were sacred moments of brotherhood and healing, a chance to share memories and honor the past. His deep sense of respect, honor, and duty extended into all aspects of his life, including his meticulous care for his lawn. He took great pride in keeping his yard immaculate, a trait that his sons often joked about being his way of instilling discipline and responsibility. What began as simple yard work became a bonding experience—an unspoken lesson in diligence, teamwork, and the importance of taking care of the things that matter most.

Lonnie's life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place Centre 1231, located at 1231 Johnson Street in Elkhart, adjacent to Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and he will be honored in a manner befitting the life he lived. Burial will take place at a later date at Ft. Custer National Cemetery near Battle Creek, Michigan, where military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Lonnie's honor to a veterans' charity of one's choice. Organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnels to Towers, or the Paralyzed Veterans of America were causes close to his heart and supporting them is a meaningful way to continue his legacy of service.

Though Lonnie has left this world, his spirit remains woven into the lives of those he loved. His story is one of courage, love, and unwavering dedication—a life well-lived and a man deeply cherished. We honor him today and always, grateful for the lessons he imparted and the love he so freely gave.

Wounded Warrior Project
PO Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516
Tel: 1-855-448-3997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Tunnels to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306
Tel: 1-718-987-1931
Email: donationsupport@t2t.org
Web: https://t2t.org/donate/

Paralyzed Veterans of America
PO Box 758589, Topeka KS 66675-8589
Tel: 1-800-555-9140
Email: donorservices@pva.org
Web: https://pva.org/ways-to-give/