Jon Kevin Rowe

Jon Rowe passed away peacefully at home in Gladewater, TX on April 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Gladewater, Texas on December 5, 1966. Jon chose to donate his body to the Texas A&M College of Medicine for medical research.

Jon was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and loving Papa Jon. He enjoyed fishing, traveling with his family, trying out new recipes on the grill and smoker, and sitting in a comfy chair with his pugs or grandchildren in his lap. After graduating from Gladewater High School in 1985, Jon attended and graduated from Kilgore College. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, he continued his education at Texas A&M University and graduated in the Class of 1989. He was a very proud Aggie who wore his Aggie ring and maroon daily. Jon loved giving back to and being involved in his community. He could regularly be found carving pumpkins in elementary classrooms, dancing in productions with his daughters, or cooking for gatherings and parties.

Jon was a faithful Christian man and lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Gladewater. He loved his job at Texas Eastman in Longview, where he worked for nearly 35 years. He was a proud member and president of the Kilgore College Board of Trustees, and he served as a school board member for Gladewater ISD for many years.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 35 years Cindy Tallent Rowe; precious daughters Alyssa Elbert (Daniel), Leslie Finnegan (Michael), and Rebecca Moore (Chris); and adored grandchildren Eva and Julia Elbert, Macy Finnegan, and Alden Jon Moore. He also leaves behind his in-laws John Paul and Beverly Tallent; brother and sister-in-law Johnny and Andrea Tallent, and their son Jack; his mentors Lloyd and Darlene Steadman; his brothers Jay, Jeff, Jed, and Jody as he was the youngest of the five Rowe boys, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Jimmy and Jean Rowe; his grandparents Clarence and Verna Colburn, and BH, Sr. and Myrtle Rowe; as well as his best friend John Lee Ussery.A celebration of Jon’s life well lived will be held at First Baptist Church of Gladewater on Saturday, June 21st at 2:00 PM. The family will receive visitors at 1:00 PM prior to the service. In his honor, please wear Aggie maroon, as that was Jon's color of choice.

In lieu of Flowers, you may donate to the Kilgore College Foundation “Jon Rowe Endowed Scholarship” at giving.Kilgore.edu or by mailing a check to 1100 Broadway, Kilgore, TX 75662; to First Baptist Church of Gladewater, PO Box 1444, Gladewater, Texas 75647; or to Gladewater Former Students‘ Association Scholarship Fund PO Box 1425, Gladewater, Texas 75647.