Our beloved Lynn Stanford Rowe left this life on November 15, 2023 at the age of 79. Born on August 27, 1944 to Frank and Nora Rowe in Scott’s Bluff, Nebraska, Lynn committed his life to service through law enforcement and community leadership.

Lynn spent his early childhood years in Cheyenne, Wyoming before his family eventually settled in the Denver, Colorado area in 1955.  He began his career in law enforcement at the Adams County Colorado Sheriff’s Department. After years of experience and leadership he was hired as the Chief of Police in the Northglen, Colorado Police Department. Lynn later moved his family to Cape Coral, Florida where he also served as the Chief of Police from 1989-1993. His 46-year law enforcement career culminated in his role as Chief of Police for Springfield, Missouri from 1993 until his retirement in 2010. During this time, Lynn served the Department and the community in countless ways. He brought the first of 5 successful national accreditation reviews from the Community of Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies. He developed the first community-oriented policing program, as well as the Citizen’s Police Academy. He brought the first canine program to the department which went on to become nationally recognized. And he helped establish the Greene County 100 Club which is a not-for-profit organization that provides financial support to the surviving spouse and dependent children of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty in Greene County, Missouri.

Chief Rowe was honored by the Missouri Police Chief’s Association as “Outstanding Police Chief of the Year” in 2006. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy as well as the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Program. During his tenure in Springfield he served on the Board of Directors as well as Past President of the Missouri Police Chief’s Association, the Child Advocacy Center Board, the E-911 Board, the Junior League Advisory Board, the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board, the Community Partnership of the Ozarks Board, and on the United Way cabinet.

Lynn had a passion for the outdoors after spending many of his formative years in Colorado amongst the mountains and rivers. He was an avid fan of Nascar, and could often be found tinkering with or restoring old street rods for hobby or show. He sure loved adventures that were off the beaten path with his wife Sally. And time spent with the grandkids really stole his heart.

Lynn is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Nora Rowe, and by brother-in-law Wayne Patterson. He is survived by his wife Sally Rowe, and by his children: Kyle Rowe (wife Cassie), Scott Cook (wife Jennifer), and Stacy Vienhage (husband Tony); grandchildren include Natalie and Colton Rowe, Colin Cook, Carter and Evan Vienhage. He is also survived by his sister Jean Patterson along with her children Brett and Troy Patterson. Lynn also had a multitude of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Visitation is Tuesday, November 21 from 3-6pm at Greenlawn East: 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield Missouri, 65809. In lieu of flowers or for memorial contributions, the family kindly suggests donations be made to the Greene County 100 Club.

A Note of Thanks

For all the acts of love, kindness and support shown to us during this difficult time we are beyond grateful. It’s friends like you that make us realize how blessed we are.

Sincerely,

The Family of Lynn Rowe