Dempsey "Butch" Rowe, Jr.

Dempsey "Butch" Rowe Jr. 

1960 - 2024 

Dempsey Rowe Jr. entered the world at midday on Monday, July 18, 1960, at the United States Naval Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was welcomed into the loving hearts of his parents Mary Ann Dittlinger Rowe and Dempsey Rowe; joining big sisters, Constance, and Jacqueline, thus completed the family. Named after his father, it didn't take long until he was given the nickname "Butch" or "Butchie" as his mother so endearingly called him. 

Being a Navy brat, the family said “goodbye” to Texas and “aloha” to Hawaii when he was a little past a year old. Hawaii, most specifically, O'ahu, became home for the next seven years. While in O'ahu, Butch grew from baby to boy, started grade school, made his sacraments, and did all the things little boys do. After seven years of calling Hawaii home, the Navy sent the family to Port Hueneme, California for another two years. Finally, when Butch was about the age of ten, his dad retired from the Navy after twenty-three years of service and Texas became home once again. Butch graduated from Robstown High School and completed the Boilermakers Apprenticeship Program going from job to job working under the direction of his dad. 

Butch and Suzan Andrea Havelka were joined in Holy Matrimony in 1980. Having welcomed four beautiful children in six short years; Butch recalled the words of Ray Romano "having children is like living in a frat house - nobody sleeps, everything's broken and there's a lot of throwing up." His love for his children was unconditional. His heart melted through the tough times and swelled with every achievement! When the grandchildren started to arrive, Butch was in his element! He loved the role of being a grandfather and "Big Daddy" was their greatest fan! Baseball, Football, Ballet, 4-H, horses, Tennis, Gymnastics, Cheer - he was there shouting from the sidelines. His grandchildren were his world! They never failed to bring a smile to his face and ice cream was always their "thing!" As much as he loved their accomplishments in studies, sports, and everything else, he did his best to help his children and grandchildren to understand how important a relationship is with our precious Lord. Daily, he asked God to hold them close and protect them from harm. 

Butch was employed at Sherwin Alumina for close to 27 years. Having been hired as a supervisor at the age of twenty-nine, he was labeled the "Golden Boy" by coworkers. Butch never backed down from a challenge that the aging plant threw his way, and he gave it his best until the plants closure in 2016. Since 2020, Butch traveled to different states working in Safety for JT Thorpe as well as Thorpe Plant Services; and his work ethics never wavered. His attitude was one of humility and kindness knowing that God placed him among particular people for a purpose. He never missed an opportunity at safety meetings to honor our freedom, leading his crews in the Pledge of Allegiance. He always followed by thanking God in prayer and asking for the safety of everyone including their families. 

Butch loved his Catholic Faith and wanted to share it with everyone! Upon moving to Portland in 1988, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church was not only a place of worship, but it was also his family in Jesus Christ. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was especially meaningful to him; he understood the value and found such comfort in the Chapel. Leading the rosary at home or anywhere he was needed brought him joy. He joined the church choir many years back; each time he sang at mass, he did so as if he was singing solely to Jesus. 

Butch was a member of the Knights of Columbus #6413 and a 4^th Degree Sir Knight. He put his whole heart into what being a Knight represented. He held various positions within the KC's and was elected Grand Knight in 2009. Meetings for all the degrees, Fallouts, diaper drives, cooking and cleaning the kitchen while preparing meals with his brother Knights, cleaning and seasoning thousands of chickens over the years, chopping wood and getting pits ready to fire up then barbeque were all important to Butch. The Brotherhood that embodied the Knights burned in his heart.  Running marathons, power walking, fishing rods, reels and equipment, shotguns and ammo, cowboy hats and boots … (lots of boots!) were among Butch’s passions. He loved music and musicians alike. Dancing! When he and Suzan danced, you could be sure he was wearing that famous “Butch Rowe” smile, and it was some of his happiest times. He and Suzan spent peaceful evenings together on the Bay watching the sun go down and just marvel at God’s handiwork. 

Butch loved the South Texas Coast and was proud to call it home. He never missed the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the area and to him it was a sportsman’s paradise! He loved being in the brush hunting birds and seldom missed his target. For Butch, the thrill of casting a line to catch another big fish was second to none. 

Butch left this world on Monday, May 20, 2024, for the Lord’s safe landing net. Although there was no time for goodbyes, we look forward to saying “hello, again” in God’s perfect timing.  

We know his parents and loved ones who left this world before Butch eagerly awaited his return. 

Butch leaves behind to cherish every memory his wife of 44 years, Suzan; children, Dempsey Rowe III, Victoria Joan Rowe (Matt) Curtiss, Clint Matthew Rowe and Zachary Christian Rowe; grandchildren, Jaden, Andrea, Lily, Lila, Tucker, and Rhett Dempsey; sisters, Conie Schubert and Jackie Fischer; the many Havelka siblings and spouses he inherited by marriage; numerous Havelka and Rowe nieces and nephews; and best friend, Jack (Melissa) Parker. 

God grant that I may live to fish until my dying day. 

And when it comes to my last cast, 

I then most humbly pray. 

When in the Lord's safe landing net, I'm peacefully asleep.

That in His mercy I be judged good enough to keep. 

 All services will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church 1008 Austin, Portland, Texas 78374 as follows: 

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – Visitation 5-7 pm 

Rosary - 7 pm. 

Thursday, June 6, 2024 – Funeral Mass – 10 am 

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com