George A. Rowe M.D.

passed away on May 20, 2011. He was born October 18, 1940 in Terre Haute, Indiana, to the late Andrew M. and Gloria (Garry) Rowe. He leaves his beloved wife of 48 years Joan (Poe Victorson); sons Dr. Michael Rowe (Erin) of Connersville and Dr. Mark Rowe (Heather) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Catherine Rowe, of Indianapolis and seven grandchildren: Savannah, Graham, Caleb and Nolan of Connersville and Emma, Chase and Tara of Atlanta. He also leaves a brother Andy Rowe (Lila) of Hillsdale, Indiana.

George attended Schulte High School in Terre Haute as a freshman, but finished his secondary education at Mount Saint Francis Franciscan Seminary in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, He earned his B.S. at Indiana State University in 1963 and his M.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1965. He served his surgery internship and general surgery residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Following his active duty military service, he served a pediatric surgery fellowship at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati.

Between 1970 and 1972, George was on active duty with the United States Army, serving at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Between 1983 and 1993, George served in the Army Reserves. He was a Flight Surgeon with the 38th Aviation Brigade and Commander of the 149th MASH Unit. He retired with the rank of Colonel having been awarded Army Commendation and Achievement Awards.

Until his retirement in 2007, he served at Community Hospital of Indianapolis and Indiana Surgery Center North. He was a member of many professional organizations during his career including the Marion/Hamilton County Medical Societies, Indiana State Medical Society, the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, American Pediatric Surgical Association, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society of Army Flight Surgeons and the Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

When George would enter a room, he would bring light and life along with him. He had that special ability, granted to some, that always made you feel better for having spent time with him. Someone said once that a man should not leave this earth with unfinished business. He should live each day as if it was a pre-flight check. He would ask each morning, "Am I prepared to lift off?" Well, George was such a man.

He deeply loved his wife and his family. In spite of a busy work schedule, he was there when they needed him. He was constantly concerned about them and provided that rock upon which strong families always seem to rely.

He was a loyal and good friend to many; he was always willing to help when someone he knew needed it. He would answer questions, explain and then answer more questions when someone needed his advice – either medical or otherwise. He would hold your hand, pray with you and give you strength if you needed it.

He was loyal to his church and devout in his beliefs. He was a man of God without being preachy. His example was in the way he lived his own life.

He was a patriot. He loved this land and he served it for many years. He respected those who sacrificed so much for it. He especially admired those who flew the planes and served in combat. George’s life was one long pre-flight check. He lived life well. He accomplished much; he made a difference to many and he was always ready for lift off! He was a gentleman, a scholar, a loving husband and father, a sincere and caring friend. His life was an example to all. The best epitaph to George would be for all of us to live the rest of our lives to the fullest so that we too will be ready for lift off when the time comes. .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, May 24, at Holy Spirit at Geist Catholic Church, 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers, Indiana, with Father Phil Bowers officiating. Visitation will be Monday, May 23 from 4 – 8 pm at the Church. Burial will be in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Services entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in George’s memory to the Hamilton County Humane Society, 1721 Pleasant Street, Suite B, Noblesville, IN 46060, or to the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, 1 Sisters of Providence Road, St Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876. Memorial tributes may be offered at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com.