Ralph Wayne Rowe

Wayne Rowe, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, creativity, and kindness.

Wayne was born on July 25, 1940, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of South Dallas, where he developed the values that guided him throughout his life. After living in several places over the years, he settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1978, where he built a life filled with friendships, service, and community.

On June 15, 1963, Wayne married his beloved Mary Lou Porterfield. Together they shared 54 years of marriage until Mary Lou's passing in 2017. Their life together was marked by decades of shared experiences, enduring commitment, and countless memories.

Wayne was a dedicated and dependable worker throughout his career. He spent nearly 40 years with Sears, earning the respect of coworkers and customers alike through his honesty and strong work ethic. After retiring, he began a second career as a stockbroker with Wells Fargo Advisors, where he worked for another 15 years, continuing to serve others with integrity and professionalism.

Outside of work, Wayne embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Coronado. He was an accomplished painter who enjoyed expressing his creativity on canvas. He loved flying remote-controlled airplanes, spending exciting days fishing-especially in Canada-and performing in local community theater productions. Whether creating art, enjoying the outdoors, or entertaining an audience, Wayne found joy in pursuing the things he loved.

Wayne's faith was the foundation of his life. As a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, he faithfully worshipped alongside his church family and remained active in his Sunday School class for many years. His quiet faith was reflected in the way he treated others-with compassion, humility, and grace.

To many friends and family, Wayne was affectionately known as "Cowboy." His signature cowboy hat became part of his identity, and his enthusiasm for the Dallas Cowboys was well known.

Wayne is survived by his son, Andrew Rowe of McKinney, Texas, his grandchildren Blaine and Garrett; his daughter, Amy Rowe of Albuquerque, New Mexico; many extended family members; and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Wayne's life at French Funerals, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109. A funeral service will be followed by a brief reception with the family. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107 immediately thereafter.

The family is grateful for the many prayers, expressions of sympathy, and acts of kindness shared during this time.

Wayne will be remembered as a man of humor and storytelling. Whether behind a paintbrush, casting a fishing line, flying a model airplane, cheering on the Cowboys, or wearing his familiar straw hat, he found joy in life's simple pleasures. Above all, he will be remembered for a life lived with honesty, perseverance, and kindness. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.