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ROSS TROWER Obituary
TROWER ROSS H. TROWER A Pastor and Navy Chaplain for nearly seventy years, Ross H. Trower, of Springfield, Virginia, died peacefully on October 31, 2014, at his home in Greenspring Village. He was born on February 22, 1922, in St. Louis, Missouri to parents Lula and William R.Trower, Jr. In 1944 he married the late Margaret Doering Trower of Vandalia, Illinois, to whom he was wed for nearly 57 years. Pastor Trower is survived by his four children: David R. Trower (Carol) of New York, NY; Martha C. Edmonds (Edward) of Piffard, NY; Paul W. Trower of Minneapolis, MN; and John L. Trower (Rebecca) of Ramona, CA. He delighted in his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, along with fond relationships with many friends and extended family members. Pastor Trower had a many-faceted career. He served as Chaplain in the United States Navy for over 38 years and as a parish pastor until this past summer. He was selected for the rank of Rear Admiral in 1979 and was the 15th Chief of Chaplains until he was placed on the Retired List of the Navy in 1983. Chaplain Trower's many tours of duty took him across the country and around the world. He served on numerous Navy ships and bases and with Marine units in Korea and Vietnam. Chaplain Trower was proud to serve with military personnel in the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. His highest personal decoration was the Distinguished Service Medal. From 1984 until 2014, Pastor Trower served on the staff of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia, and was a member of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He held an honorary doctorate in Divinity from his Alma Mater, an earned Doctor of Ministry from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and the Master's degree in Theology from Harvard. He was a graduate of Carthage College, now in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Home at 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield 22150, on Thursday November 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday November 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, on Saturday morning, November 8, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church or to the St. Mark's Life Center, an ecumenical and educational program providing a variety of services for members, neighbors and students of all ages.
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Memories and Condolences
for ROSS TROWER
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
May 5, 2015
I have wonderful memories of Chaplain Trower, your dad, as he was a dear friend to my parents who lived at Greenspring Village, he spoke at both of their funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and he was the source of comfort for our family.
I just now learned about his death but still wanted to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Ventres Olesen; Vienna, Austria
Ryan Anderson
December 1, 2014
Pastor Trower was always one of my favorite parts about going church. He just seemed comfortable in the pulpit, as if he was welcoming the whole congregation into his home with a warm smile every Sunday. He just had a real down to earth quality, never overcomplicated or rushed his message, and always managed to throw a joke or two in and get some laughs. I haven't lived in Springfield in 15 years and it always amazed me when I would go back to visit that despite the thousands of people he interacted with on a weekly basis that he he would still remember small details about my life. He will be greatly missed, but it's comforting to know he will finally get to experience the place that he so passionately spread the word about and reconnect with those who went before him.
Jan Scholl
November 30, 2014
We came to know of Pastor Trower's death only recently. I have enjoyed reading the many tributes, nodding knowingly, as our family also experienced his grace and caring on a regular basis while members of St. Mark's. His gentle and caring presence was particularly special during a family tragedy. All of us will always have a special place in our hearts for Pastor Trower. Jeff, Jan, Katie and Peter
Edward (Ned) Edmonds
November 18, 2014
Oh how he will be missed.
I am so very glad to have married Ross's daughter Martha and to have been welcomed into his family.Over the years I have come to love him more and more and to appreciate just what an exceptional person he was. By his example of giving just as much attention to the waitress or nurse as he did to the world leader, he taught us how to really listen to each other.
It was a privilege and honor to help Martha, her brothers and his nurses care for him through the last weeks of his life - to feed him, to read to him, to see that he was comfortable. His faith was deep and he remained a pastor until the very end.
It is hard to know that there will be no more conversations around the kitchen table, but we will forever hear his voice.
Ned
November 17, 2014
Remembering you Dad, today and always
Diane Stevenson
November 14, 2014
I have wonderful memories of the good times Neil and I enjoyed in the company of Ross and Margaret. The hearty laughs of those two men could fill the room. He will be missed!
Barb and Bill Tuceling
November 12, 2014
I have wonderful memories of your dad - he was my mother's next-door neighbor at Greenspring Village until her death in September 2012, and was a very special friend to all who knew him. I'm sorry we learned of his death too late to attend the funeral. Please know our thoughts are with you. You must be proud of your wonderful father and all his accomplishments. He touched so many lives and we are the better for knowing him.
Eric and Heather Nelson
November 12, 2014
You were an important part of our lives for so many years. You were a part of our lives through the good times --- from the day we first met you when we walked into St. Marks to talk to you about getting married, through actually marrying us and baptizing our four children; and though the sad times --- as you helped us through laying to rest our parents; Swede, Sandy and Charlotte. You gave so much of your heart and time to us, and so many others. You will be missed, but we know you are now reunited with Margaret and heaven has gained the best pastor around.
Joyce Sisson
November 8, 2014
We were deeply saddened to learn this news.Pastor Trower was with us during a family tragedy and gave us support and encouragement.He was one of the kindest, caring people we have ever met. Our Deepest Sympathy to his family. Joyce and Roy
Bernard Arnold
November 8, 2014
With thanks for a man we knew and loved very much.. Ruth and Bernard Arnold
Colleen Doering
November 7, 2014
Our sincerest condolences on the death of your father. He was such a special person. I knew it from the time I first met him when he gave me that big, welcoming bear hug. The way he lived his life was a true testament to his love for his wife, family, friends, and The Lord. It was my observation that he truly cared about people, manifested in the way he would ask a question and truly get to know you when you were in a conversation with him. That undivided attention, especially in this world of sound bites and fleeting interpersonal interactions is something we should all aspire to. He was loved, respected, and will forever be in our hearts.
Colleen Doering and family
Pastor Eric Wester
November 7, 2014
Chaplain Trower embodied the marks of a pastor in uniform - compassion, attentiveness to his calling, faith in God, serving others before self. All our chaplains (serving now and retired) salute you as you enter your eternal rest.
Joyce Raezer
November 7, 2014
Pastor Trower was an inspiration to me and to my kids because of the joy with which he approached life. He was a wonderful confirmation teacher and mentor, gave thoughtful sermons that always contained a message and hope, and reveled in music as a gift both from and to God.
Michael Mangan
November 6, 2014
Pastor Trower was the kindest and most gentle soul I have known. During the time that my sisters and I were grieving the loss of our parents, Pastor Trower was the voice that helped you remember all the good and not dwell on the bad. What a fantastic life he lived. The Mangan family will both be forever indebted to him and will dearly miss his smile and kind words.
William Boys
November 6, 2014
Ross was my senior chaplain in Dec. 1965 when I was serving Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) for 2 weeks at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, Calif. His rank was Captain at the time. His personal, pastoral and administrative leadership were all outstanding, so I was delighted when he made Chief of Chaplains. As a Reserve chaplain never on extended active duty our paths never crossed again, but my two weeks with him remain one of the high points in my Navy service.
Baptism of Andrew Nathan Donaldson at St. Marks Lutheran Church
November 6, 2014
Pastor Trower's 90th birthday
November 6, 2014
Susan Anderson
November 6, 2014
Ross, you were such an important part of our lives, like a family member as I'm sure you were to many others. Your participation in family baptisms, confirmations, a wedding made those events even more special. You were always there with encouragement in times of difficulty and there to celebrate with us in times of joy. You will live on in our hearts until we meet once again.
Peder Anderson
November 6, 2014
Of all the many things Pastor Trower exemplified, the one that stood out most was his grace. He leaves us many wonderful and lasting memories, memories that are now a treasure no amount of time can erase.
Ryan Anderson
November 6, 2014
Sad news. He was always one of my favorite parts about going to church. He just seemed comfortable in the pulpit as if he belonged there. Just had a real down to earth quality, never overcomplicated or rushed his message, and always managed to throw a joke or two in and get some laughs. He will be greatly missed for sure, but it's comforting to know he will finally get to experience the place that he so passionately spread the word about and reconnect with those who went before him.
November 6, 2014
You will be missed
Chip & Karen Parrott
November 6, 2014
I am so grateful I got to know Pastor Trower. I was welcomed as part of his family and the Parrott family when he wed Chip and I. He was my confidant and gave good advice when I needed to talk to him. Chip and I will miss listening to his stories of times gone by and we will forever remember his love and friendship. Chip and Karen Parrott and our extended family
Bill Oelkers
November 5, 2014
Our dear friend and pastor has gone on to claim the new life promised at his baptism. He had so many special gifts and those of us fortunate to have known Ross Trower during our earthly journeys feel his loss deeply. My prayers are with all of the Trower family.
As Easter people, while we all mourn the absence of Ross's special flame, we do celebrate HOW BRIGHTLY IT BURNED!
Shalom!
Alice Benson
November 5, 2014
What a remarkable man of God, a true Christian, thinker, kind soul, and good friend to so many people. The world has lost a true saint.
Barbara Pompili
November 5, 2014
Pastor Trower was a wonderful, kind, and generous man and a tribute to the Lutheran Church. He always had a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. I loved to hear his sermons but mostly I loved just talking with him. I will miss his spirit. He is now resting in peace in the arms of our Lord.
Ann and Doug Hamnes
November 5, 2014
Pastor Trower was and continues to be an inspiration to us. His sincere caring and deep faith made us better persons and built our commitment to God. He baptized our granddaughter and always wanted to know about her twenty years later. We miss him but will treasure the beautiful memories.
In sympathy to the family and loving remembrance. Ann and Doug
November 5, 2014
Like our Savior, Jesus, who said He came to serve, not be served...that was our dear friend Ross and his precious wife Margaret. Ross told us he would never retire; and he didn't. What memories we have of our Sunday Face to Face gatherings over our years at St. Marks. God be with all the family and his friends: Ross finished the race and kept the faith! Arlyn and Linda Renkes
Lorenzo York
November 5, 2014
Chaplain Ross Trower was a gracious, spiritual giant who lived out all it means to be a servant leader in the United States Navy. God blessed him to be a blessing to tens of thousands over the span of his ministry.
Holly Stevenson Hankins
November 5, 2014
Chaplain Trower had such a comfortable demeanor and wide smile. 40+ years our families have been connected through the Navy and beyond. His retirement ceremony/ Change of Command came on the day before my wedding. I think of it always on my anniversary. He will be remembered with true affection.
Nancy Gorman
November 5, 2014
Pastor Trower represented what is good about life, as a human being and loving pastor: his enthusiasm, his thought provoking sermons, his caring words at times of loss, his openness to all things new. As he called us by name at communion, we were reminded that God knows us each by name. So, Fair Winds and Following Seas, with sadness here but joy in heaven as he joins Margaret, our loved ones, and all the Saints who from their labors rest. Our prayers for his family and all who feel his loss. The Gorman Family
Joel McKean
November 4, 2014
Ross Trower, a caring pastor, inspirational leader, insightful teacher and mentor, and personal friend will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him and welcomed by those saints who preceeded him.
November 4, 2014
What can I say...my Spiritual Mentor and Coach for attempting to apply my limited leadership skills to Saint Mark's. May God Bless the Trower Family and comfort them during this time of mourning. I will miss you deeply Admiral...except for one Sunday in November the past several years when I thought you were a little too consoling (exaggerated even) of the Army losses to Navy :-) I think he would have appreciated that last comment! We had so much fun with our Army/Navy rivalry.
Jana Opperman
November 4, 2014
To the Trower and Doering families- we will miss Uncle Ross and treasure our memories of him and Aunt Margaret making our wedding day so special. And then making sure the Spirit was firmly sown in our sons as he came up to NJ for their baptisms. Today is Cory's 21st birthday! Thank you for sharing him with us and my Church
Scottie LLoyd
November 4, 2014
Our prayers surround you at this time of Ross's departure. Thank you for sharing him with us while he lived on earth. His homecoming is complete. We will see him again. Scottie and Karen Lloyd
Mark Edwards
November 4, 2014
Three instances in my memory of Ross Trower will remain with me forever. When Tracey and I got orders to the Pentagon and relocated in 1990, we visited St Mark's. The first person we met was Ross Trower, who was very interested when he found out I was a naval officer. I attributed it to there probably being many military families there, only later to find out that Ross had not only been in the Navy but had been the Chief of Chaplains. So unassuming and humble he was.
Several years later, after the pastoral changes at St Mark's, I was discerning a call into the ordained ministry, but was keeping it quiet. At a point where I needed to talk to someone about my thoughts, I asked Ross if I could drop by and talk to him about a "personal matter." As soon as he greeted me at his front door, he asked how long I had been wrestling with the call to ministry! What insight the man had.
Many years later, I was part of a group of associate pastors who gathered regularly to deal with issues related to this particular type of ministry. I thought for sure that I would be the eldest and most senior of this group (most were newly ordained in their first call). But in walked Ross Trower, who never used his vast experience or years of maturity to quash discussion or devalue the feelings of those younger colleagues in ministry. He truly saw each individual as a beloved child of God, called to serve. That trait of his (and Margaret's) is perhaps the one I will treasure most.
God Bless You, Ross.
Karen Randall
November 4, 2014
Pr Ross, a brilliant, loving pastor and friend. You will be sorely missed.
Judith Cohen-Roberts
November 4, 2014
Sending my deepest condolences to the family of Ross Trower. May his spirit be bound up in the hands of God and may God be with you all in your time of sorrow.
We remember Adm. Trower fondly every October.
November 4, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the Trower family. We remember Adm. Trower very fondly as the presiding pastor at our wedding 30 years ago last month. Our hearts and minds are very much with the family at this time. Rob and Sandy Fountain
November 4, 2014
My wife and I will remember Paster Trower as a gifted minister with the ability to make you feel very comfortable when in his presence. He was a true friend and will be missed by everyone at St Marks. Wes and Janice Carr
Alan and Jeannine Van Nostrand
November 3, 2014
We only knew Pastor Trower these last three years or so, but he left a strong mark on our lives. The easy smile, the playful wink, and prayerful lessons will be remembered for years to come. It was a blessing to know you Ross. Our prayers go out to your family and you many friends who will miss you dearly. God Bless you!
G J.
November 3, 2014
To all the families and friends. Please accept my condolences. May the peace of God be with you all in this time of sorrow. R on 15:33.
Bob and Helen Baldwin
November 3, 2014
Our condolences to the family. Pastor Trower was such an inspirational man. We feel privileged to have know him.
Suzy Appler Kara
November 3, 2014
How do I put into words 35 years worth of memories, friendship, mentorship, family and love. I guess with 3 words, "I am blessed!" I have been fortunate enough to have Pastor Trower in my life for so long both inside and outside of church. I would never be who I am today if I did not have him in my life and for that I am thankful. I can't eat ice cream without thinking of him every time. He can now be with Margaret, the love of his life. You are the best and will always be a part of my life, my heart, my soul, friend and advisor. I love you!!
I will never forget that day for SOOO many reasons!!
Suzy Appler Kara
November 3, 2014
Rachel Wind
November 3, 2014
Pastor Ross, beyond any other pastor I've ever met, embodied hospitality and welcome in such an authentic and meaningful way that one couldn't help but feel loved and important when in his presence. My thoughts and prayers are with Ross' family and friends during this time of loss. May the promise of the resurrection dawn shine amidst the sorrow.
Kathy Flanagan
November 3, 2014
Pastor Trower came to St. Mark's when I was a child, and I feel so blessed to have had him as a teacher, leader, and friend. He was such a wonderful role model for all of us. Thank you Trower family for sharing your father and grandfather with us for all these years.
David Essick
November 3, 2014
Admiral Trower was a wonderful mentor and friend to me for as long as I can remember. His kinds words and encouragement to all and his fervent support of the youth to become leaders in their community leaves a legacy few could rival. I will miss his council, his smile, and his encouragement.
Christmas Eve 2013
Edrie Weekly
November 2, 2014
Edward Weekly's Baptism 2000
Edrie Weekly
November 2, 2014
November 2, 2014
What great memories we have of Ross and Margaret, visiting and roaming the Hawaii sights when they were stationed there. And how we enjoyed getting to know Martha and the boys, always lively and interesting. It was a pleasure keeping in touch through years that followed, and only recently when Ross and Paul visited us in Bellingham, WA. Our thoughts and our love go out to all the family. It was a privilege to know your Dad and our memories of him will be with us always. ~~ Katie, Chris and Ellen Boyd,
and Dan and Florence Palmer
James Magness
November 2, 2014
I remember Ross as one of the early influences upon me as a young Navy chaplain. Though I did not see him often after his Navy retirement, I always knew him as friend. May his soul rest with all the faithful departed.
November 2, 2014
I met Pastor Trower when I joined St. marks. He has been an inspiration to me by his love and kindness! He was there for my family to help us through a tragedy. Pastor lived his life for Christ, and has left us with warm and peaceful hearts. I am a better person having had Pastor in my life, and I will miss him terribly!
Leona Ragan
Karen English
November 2, 2014
Pastor Trower was full of love and understanding. He shared those wonderful qualities with everyone he met. He will be dearly missed.
Sue Moorefield
November 2, 2014
I have so many wonderful memories of Pastor Trower and St. Mark's. Pastor Trower could always look at you and call you by your name! I'll miss not knowing he's there. What a blessing he was to all who knew him.
November 2, 2014
Please accept our condolences. We were so glad that Ross could participate in Kim and Rob' wedding. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Martha Kay and Stan Larsen
James Edmonds
November 2, 2014
To Martha and Ned and the Trower family. Just to say we have been thinking of you all as you absorb the reality of Ross' death. You had prepared for it and been with him and helped him have a good death, but still your sadness is something we relate to and we'd like you to know we lit a candle for him last night. Claire was with us along with young James and we raised our glasses to a man who had real grace, warmth and affection for his fellow beings.
I had two specific memories of Ross - the first time when I had just arrived in New York to doss on David's floor. We took a wander around Zabars on Broadway to buy stuff for lunch and was taken aback somewhat by what was obviously a family tradition of holding hands while Ross said grace before we could get on with eating it - I was starving! The second time was when you all came to first and we had a really cool conversation sitting in the sunshine in our front garden. I'm a socialist and hate all things imperialistic - Ross is a minister to the US Navy and I'm expecting things to get a tad heated in the way the generational and political divide could sour the relationship I had with my Dad - but no his understanding of the way people and differing ideas work was remarkable... while holding steadfast to his own views he seemed to have a healthy curiosity about opposing ideas and a willingness to listen.
Jimmy and Jane
Dad after entering the service
Paul Trower
November 2, 2014
Trudy Stellar
November 1, 2014
We joined St. Mark's at the same time as Pastor Trower and Margaret. He has been such a wonderful influence for our family. I remember fun times like the California Raisins and eating ice cream time and time again. I remember his thoughtfulness on so many occasions. My granddaughter will always remember her baptism by putting her hand in the Baptismal Font and placing it on her forehead because of Pastor Trower. He will never be forgotten.
Dad as teacher
Paul Trower
November 1, 2014
November 1, 2014
I've never met a kinder more loving soul than that of Ross Trower. He made you feel welcomed and loved at every meeting. Though I will miss him I find peace in knowing that he is with his beloved Margaret. May you rest in peace, dear friend. Kim
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