of Batesville, AR
May 23, 1932 - October 13, 2020
Noel Arron Rowe, lovingly known by many as Narron, ''Pop'', & Bud, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. His life ended where his journey began, on his family land, just outside of Batesville. Born on May 23, 1932, to Noel Sr. & Wilma (Neyhouse) Rowe, Noel was the oldest of three children to be born in the old farmhouse, with Theodore ''TeeBugger'' & Emma ''Cookie'' joining in later years. Together, the three children had a wonderful childhood, making due with what they had and finding lots of fun along the way. Living on a farm, the value of hard work was instilled from a young age by both parents. That work ethic lasted throughout Noel's life. He went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1950 & attended BeeBe Junior College on a basketball scholarship.
On December 24,1951, Noel married his love, Norma Jean (Caldwell). After growing up a few miles apart, they made the move to Michigan together, where they would go on to have 3 children, Noella (Jeannie) in 1952, Noel (Dean) in 1957, & Norman (Ken) in 1960. Noel was a provider that gave his children a city life, which was very unlike the way that he grew up. They were lucky to have family from home, in Michigan, and were very close with the Pontiac bunch. Noel enjoyed being involved by coaching the boys' little league teams, refereeing basketball, & umpiring fastpitch softball. They made the trip back home to Arkansas whenever they could.
Noel began working for Pontiac Motors when he arrived in Michigan, but was quickly recruited by the Michigan State Police, with the condition that he finish his college courses. Noel successfully met their terms, while working, taking night classes, and raising a family. He finished his Criminal Justice degree from Western Michigan University. His career with the MI State Police zig-zagged the family across the state and required many sacrifices by them all, while also giving them a legacy to be proud of. Noel had great stories about his days as a State Trooper and proudly retired as a Lieutenant in 1982.
Upon retirement, Noel & Norma returned to Arkansas and built a home on the family land. He became the patriarche of the Rowe family, taking care of his aging parents, while venturing into new careers.They were happy to reconnect with the Caldwell side, also, and were all great friends. Along with other family members, Noel & Norma ran Gainsboro Grocery. They enjoyed being a part of the country community where they grew up. In addition, Noel worked/retired from Banquet Chicken & the AR Dept of Human Services. In the spring of 2019, Noel's working days came to an end when the company was bought out. At the age of 88, he was forced to officially retire, much to his dismay. He loved going to work, being a provider, and having a purpose. A typical retirement was never in his plans.
Despite all of his professional accomplishments, what Noel was the most proud of was his family. He loved us all fiercely and dreamed of the times we could be together. In our heyday, Christmas celebrations and July 4th were legendary. In later years, Memorial weekend became a tradition of its own. Regardless of where we were or what we were doing, Noel took great pride in his family. He adored the children and treated them equally when he beat them at card games. He did not like to lose. When he told stories, the whole room listened. He had a way of capturing our attention and hearts like nobody else. For many of us, he was a larger than life figure. He set the bar high and we did not want to disappoint him. He instilled in us the value of hard work, respectable choices, a spiffy shirt, and a clean car. Taking pride in how far you have come is worth recognizing every once in a while. Hard work can pay off and a little competition never hurt anybody. He had a great laugh and loved a funny story.
Noel leaves behind his partner of almost 69 years, Norma. A typical day would be spent playing Scrabble, cards, or enjoying the fruits of their labor from the porch. It was not always easy, but it was a good life. Noel also leaves behind his 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, all of which very much admired and respected him. Noel was strong, dependable, intimidating, and tough, but also so loving, generous, dedicated, and wise. Most of all, he was he was ours, and for that we will forever be thankful. He will be deeply missed by us all. Due to covid, a memorial will be held at a later date.
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26 Condolence(s)
Mandy Brown
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Uncle Noel Arron. I loved hearing your stories of when you were young. They were so funny. I still talk about them with all our family. You were fun to be around, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for letting me hammer nails to “help to build your new houseâ€. Love you.
Judy Messenger
Sunday, October 25, 2020
I loved working with Noel when we both worked for the State and then we met again when he was with NAHR..he was always happy and he never met a stranger. Prayers for his family
Katrina Rowe Fudge
Friday, October 23, 2020
Praying for the family. What a wonderful legacy to leave for his family.
My grandfather was Dewey Rowe, Sr. My father, Dewey Rowe, Jr. so we were cousins.
Jannette Hembrey Lovell
Monday, October 19, 2020
Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to family and friends.
Vickie Smith Pryor
Monday, October 19, 2020
I enjoyed working with Noel at human services.
He was funny and had a true love of the services he provided.
I am so sorry for your loss
Deby and Jesse Rowe
Friday, October 16, 2020
So sorry for your loss but he had a good and fulfilling life...trying to look on the bright side 😔. Love the family 🥰 Deby and Jesse
Betty Scott
Thursday, October 15, 2020
I always told Noel he got to work at NAHS mental health because he brought us Norma's wonderful peanut brittle at Christmas. His clients loved him and knew he would always do his very best for them. I ran into him at Batesville Rehab last year. He was the same Noel. Rest well and much joy for the journey.🌷
Melvin and Karon McGill
Thursday, October 15, 2020
He was a great man I like to talk to him about law be a law man he will be missed very much. may god bless you all.
Glen Pool
Thursday, October 15, 2020
I got to know Noel while working at Sears. Always looked forward to his visits. Smart, friendly man with a great sense of humor. So sorry for your loss.
Louise Hooper
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Norma Jean and family, So sorry to hear about Pop. My heartfelt prayers are with you. God bless you.
Barbara Brooks
Thursday, October 15, 2020
So sorry for your loss I worked with Noel at HRA .
Lucy Jackson Manley
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Sorry for your loss.
Carol board
Thursday, October 15, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Noel’s death. He sat behind me Sunday at church and I will miss his smiling face. I know he’s smiling at his Heavenly Father in Heaven.
Carol Board
Pam Stanley
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Norma, I’m so sorry to hear of Noels passing. I enjoyed working with him, and with you. Prayers for you and your family.
Mitzi Felts
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
So sorry for your loss
Nancy Hobbs
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
May our Heavenly Father wrap his loving arms around you and your family giving you comfort, peace and strength for the coming days.
Robbie Lawrence
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Sorry for your loss, praying for peace and comfort for all the family.
Shirley Moyer
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Noel will be missed .
Susan Barnett Matinchek
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Noel for many years at HRA. He was a joy to know and my life is richer for knowing him. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Tami Barber
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
He touched many lives and I was fortunate to be able to work with him and spend time also with his family. Praying for your comfort
David and Kriste Bryant
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Noel was a WONDERFUL man that will truly be missed by many, many people! We send love, prayers and our condolences to the family and loved ones.
Rest In Peace, friend. It was an honor to know you and to have worked with you!
Sincerely,
David and Kriste Bryant
Cliff. Wright
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Sorry Pop was a good friend and neighbor and I grew up with him being pop He will be missed
Ronnie and Barb Frye
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
So Sorry, What a great man and person in general. I spent many summers at there home where ever they were and we always had so much fun. I just love this family. Ronnie and I are so blessed to be part of this family. Love to you all
Ina Lee Henley
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
So sorry. I passed by the house the other day and wondered about he and Norma. We knew the parents as we went to church with them. Got to know Pop and Norma when we built their house. Wonderful family. Prayers for your loss...
Patrick and Lori Muinch
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
We will miss him. He was always welcoming and friendly to us when they visited Marty and Noella. We will also miss his stories.
Jeannie stone
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
I love my Dad!