Ralph Rowe

Ralph B. Rowe, 87, of Swansea, IL, born Saturday, June 11, 1938, in Des Moines, IA, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 at his residence in Swansea, IL.

Ralph was a United States Air National Guard Veteran. The owner of R Jones Auto Body he also worked for Bob Brown Chevrolet and Farm Bureau as a senior damage appraiser where he retired. He was one of many who helped start the Des Moines dragway. He raced independently with NHRA Division 5 Top Fuel and Funny Cars. His other passion was playing golf and trying to teach anyone who would listen about golf.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: Clarence W. and Hazel Irene, nee Ross, Rowe
• Sister: Bonnie Bainter
• Brother: Clarence A. Rowe

Surviving are his:

• Wife of 67 years: Judy Ann, nee Ackerlund, Rowe of Swansea, IL
• Children:
  • Kelly (Kim) Rowe of Ankeny, IA
  • Kevin (Hope) Rowe of Tucson, AZ
  • Kirk (Brenda) Rowe of Altoona, IA
  • Kris (Lisa) Rowe of Swansea, IL
• 9 Grandchildren:
  • Mark (Brian) Rowe-Barth
  • Whitney (Patrick) Shannon
  • Ryan (Laura) Rowe
  • Christopher (Francesca) Rowe
  • Kyle (Ryan) Hosler
  • Peyton (Donald) Carolus
  • Tyler Rowe
  • Brett Rowe
  • Kalea Rowe
• 7 Great-Grandchildren:
  • Liam
  • Finnegan
  • Ronan
  • Jackson
  • Lucas
  • Kyler
  • Conner
• Niece: Donna Irwin
• Nephew: Ron Rowe

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Services: Celebration of Life will be held at a later date will be in Des Moines, IA.