Frank A. Rowe was born in the Millwood Community of Little River County near Ashdown, Arkansas to the late George Rowe and Mary L. Sandefur Russell on June 22, 1932. Frank passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021, in the loving and compassionate care of Hospice of Texarkana.

Frank began service in church at the Zelia Chapel C.M.E. Church in the Millwood Community. After the family moved to Ashdown, he united with the Freeman Chapel C.M.E. Church where he remained faithful throughout life. At Freeman, he served as Chairman of the Steward Board, Trustee and choir member. His "Barry White" voice could be heard throughout the church. He loved singing and most music genres.

Upon graduation from Little Rive Training School, Frank enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He trained as a welder and was honorably discharged. Frank continued his education at Philander Smith College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Additional coursework was continued at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Frank's first teaching assignment was in Searcy, Arkansas where he taught social studies and coached. Years later, he relocated to Wynne,  Arkansas and continued teaching and coaching football and basketball. Coach Rowe, as he was fondly known to all, was a motivator and brought out the best in the athletes, making them believe in themselves and their talents. The positive impact he had then is evident today by numerous calls and inquiries from former students far and near.

While in Wynne, Frank met a young teacher, Flora, who would become his future wife and the love of his life. After thirty-four years of teaching and many awards and accolades, Coach Rowe retired and the family relocated to Texarkana, Texas in 1989. Frank began a second career working at Bowie County Juvenile Detention Center. Finally, he retired for good and eased into a life of leisure.

Frank will be remembered for his compassion, sense of humor,  patience, unconditional love, and great hugs. His greatest    pleasure was his family. We will miss his loving influence.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, Oscar and Leroy Hamilton, Henry, J.D., Columbus, and George Rowe, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of forty-one years, Flora; daughters, Alesha James (Torrence—deceased) of Little Rock, Arkansas and Tasha Harris of Glen Allen, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, family and friends.