Robert Rowe (AKA Santa), Age 78, of Minerva died Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 in Minerva Eldercare. He was born Jan. 14, 1938 in Alliance to Robert and Beatrice (Davis) Rowe. He retired from Gradall Engineering in New Philadelphia where he was a senior design engineer. A former employee of Morgan Engineering in Alliance and East Ohio Machinery in Alliance. A 1956 graduate of Alliance High School, he is a member of the Alliance First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ where he was an Elder and active delivering Meals on Wheels. For over 30 years, he enjoyed portraying Santa Claus with his wife "Mrs. Claus" and could be seen at many local events and parades.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billie (Michalk) Rowe whom he married June 21, 1959, 2 daughters, Wendy Blackburn of Minerva, Robin (Ben) Waugh of Charleston, SC, 2 sons, Dan (Linda) Rowe of Covington, LA and Christopher S. Rowe of Minerva, sister, Jacqueline (Terry) Davidson of Ocala, FL, brother, Gary (Gloria) Rowe of Toledo, 5 grandchildren, Joshua Blackburn, Ian Rowe, Cori (Nick) Rhodes, Aaron Rowe and River Austin Rowe. He is preceded in death by a son-in-law, Robert Blackburn.

Funeral services will be Monday at 11am in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Aaron Phillips and Sue DeHoff officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be held 2-5 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.