Benjamin Clyde Rowe

CSM Retired Benjamin C. Rowe STAUNTON

Command Sergeant Major Retired Benjamin Clyde Rowe, 76, husband of Mary Ann (Newlen) Rowe of Lammermoor Drive, died on Monday, August 1, 2011, at his residence.

He was born on November 22, 1934, in Swoope, a son of the late John C. and Frances (Bailey) Rowe.

Mr. Rowe retired from the United States Army as a Sergeant Major after 23 years of service. He served in the Korean War with the 3rd Infantry Division. He served two tours in Vietnam, both as a first sergeant in the 11th Armed Cavalry Regiment. Also served a tour at the Gettysburg College as the senior non-commission office and at the University of Virginia as the non-commissioned officer in charge of training.

He received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, three awards of the Accommodation Metals with V Device, two awards of the Combat Infantry Badge in Korea and Vietnam, three awards of the Purple Heart and many others letters and awards to many to mention.

Benjamin C. Rowe was one of the youngest First Sergeants at age of 26; all his duties were in combat units and was also the youngest Sergeant Major at age of 34, retiring at 39 years of age.

After his Army retirement, he served 33 years in Real Estate and was co-owner of City County Properties.

He was a member of the Staunton Masonic Lodge #13 A.F. and A.M., the Scottish Rite Lodge 32 Degree, ACCA Temple of Richmond, the American Legion, and was a life member of the VFW, Non-Commissioned Office Association of the United States Army, and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

In addition to his wife, family members include a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Larry Massey of Mint Spring; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gene and Patsy Rowe of Staunton and Jim and Beverly Rowe of Harrisonburg; and two sisters-in-law, Theola Folks of Hyattsville, Maryland, and Shirley Ailer of Churchville.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2011, at the Henry Funeral Home Chapel by the Reverend Dennis Sites. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens with full military honors by a contingent from Fort Lee.

Active pallbearers will be a contingent from Fort Lee.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Matthews, Wilson Pitchford, Kevin Pitchford, Ed Arey, Melvin Rhea, and Nelson Boyers.

The Staunton Masonic Lodge #13 A.F. and A.M. will have Masonic rites at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the funeral home with visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939.

A special thanks to the staff of Augusta Home Health and the Hospice of the Shenandoah.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.