War dominated in the 1940’s and like most young men of the time, Dick wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Toward the end of his twenty years with the Marines, Dick became a partner in a Memphis-based boat dealership. Upon retirement from the Marines in 1971, he and his wife Donna started a small marine and industrial distributorship called Indmar Products Company, Inc. The business was founded on $30,000, three partners and the ultimate American dream that resulted in a legendary brand that has touched the lives of boaters and watersports enthusiasts all over the world.
Dick devoted his life to boating. For him, boating was not just a business, it was his life and a way that he could give back. For more than forty years, he unselfishly committed himself to the recreational marine industry. Dick was always the first in line to give his time and resources when the industry called.
Many young professionals in the marine industry, saw Dick as a mentor. He led by example by not only building a strong, respected company but by also having the ability to look beyond the four walls of Indmar to help improve the entire industry.
In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious NMMA Chapman Award which recognized his contribution to boating for the benefit of the industry and the public. In 2004 he was inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame, which recognized his substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry.
Dick’s commitment to the marine industry was an inspiration not only to his colleagues but to his family that he leaves behind. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife Donna Rowe. He is survived by his children Chuck (Diane) Rowe and Kathy (Joe) Tidwell; grandchildren Chris Rowe, Jennie (Mike) Escarre, Wendy (Billy) Likes, Sandy Wiedmeyer, Amy (Brad) Thomas and Audra Tidwell; great-grandchildren Jacob and Josh Likes, Hunter, Jordon and Kaitlyn Thomas, Nickolas and Lindsey Wiedmeyer, Paxton and Chase Escarre; and countless close friends that he considered family.
The family will hold a graveside service Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2:30 PM to 3:00
PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. To share memories, photos or condolences for the Rowe family, please visit www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 236 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island NY 10306 or www.t2t.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Rowe family.
