KERMIT ROWE, 71, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Sunday evening, March 30, 2008 at his home.

Born on October 26, 1936 in the rural Rose Valley community, he was the son of Daniel Merle and Verl (Archer) Rowe. At the age of eight, Kermit's father passed away and the family moved to Winfield. He was raised and received his education in Winfield. At an early age Kermit sold newspapers in the hospitals and downtown offices as well as shined shoes to earn money. While in high school he worked at cleaning chickens which were sold to the Winfield State Hospital and local grocery stores. Kermit graduated from Winfield High School in 1954 and was employed in the oil fields. He later attended Cowley County Community College for a short time and was later employed for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita.

He was united in marriage to Sandra Crow on February 21, 1958 in Dexter, Kansas. in 1963 the couple moved to New Orleans after he was transferred with Boeing to work on the space program. The couple lived in New Orleans until the space program ended and he found employment at an aircraft supplier in Long Island, New York. After a year in Long Island, the couple moved to western Massachusetts where he was employed with another aircraft supplier. Eight years later, Kermit had an opportunity to return to New Orleans as a senior manufacturing engineer for the Martin-Marietta Corporation. He really enjoyed the move because he disliked the New England winters and was glad to be back in a warm climate. From 1988 to 1995 he worked as senior manufacturing engineer for the Northrop Corporation and had overall responsibility for their Central Regional Office in Wichita. He retired in 1995 and continued working independently as a field manufacturing representative. The couple also lived in California before returning to the Dexter and Wichita area.

He was a member of the Central Community Church in Wichita. His hobbies included golf, and following the St. Louis Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints teams.

His family includes:
His wife Sandra of the home;
His children: Kim Rowe of Tulsa, OK; and Kraig Rowe and wife Cheri of Topeka, KS;
His brother: Daniel Rowe and wife Karen of Papillion, NE;
His sister: Virginia Shutt and husband Melvin of Bartlesville, OK;
His grandchildren: Aimee and Mark Hain, Kevin Rowe and Jessica Rowe; and
His great-grandchildren: Caleb Hain and Katelynn Hain.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlyne Paton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 4, 2008 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Interment will follow at the Dexter Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M., Thursday, April 3, 2008. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., that evening.

A memorial has been established in Kermit's name for Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.