Karl A. Rowbotham

Karl A. Rowbotham, 78, of Conneaut, passed away, Wednesday morning, July 24, 2024 at David Simpson Hospice House, Cleveland, OH. He was born February 3, 1946 in Conneaut, the son of Arthur and Audrey (Woodworth) Rowbotham. He was the grandson of Floyd Woodworth, one of the founders of the Astatic, he was proud of his grandfather for building many brick homes for the Astatic employees. His grandfather Rowbotham was born in the old log cabin in Youngstown, OH.

Karl graduated from Conneaut High School in 1964 (the last class called the Trojans) and attended Youngstown State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1970. He worked for 23 years at Sharon (PA) Steel, then East Mfg, Cold Metal Products, and Youngstown Specialty Metals.

In his early years, he was active in Scouting as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster in Brookfield, OH, mentoring 24 young men who became Eagle Scouts including his three sons, and received the Silver Beaver. He was a member of the Brookfield Optimist Club where he was past president and treasurer and in 2005 named their Citizen of the Year. He organized their annual fundraising dinners.

While in Sharon, PA, Karl was active with the Covenant Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon for 10 years. He is now a member of New Leaf United Methodist Church in Conneaut.

In 2011, Karl retired to Conneaut and has maintained the D-Day Museum and later adopted the D-Day Administrative Building. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Conneaut Historical Society and named Senior Citizen of the Month in Conneaut,

Karl never met a stranger, and everyone liked him. He didn’t know the meaning of “ego.” Whatever he did was because it was the right thing to do. He never wanted credit for what he did.

“This is my command: Love another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13. Karls whole life he lived, putting his family and friends before himself.

Survivors include his wife Patricia “Patti” (Haas) Rowbotham whom  he married June 14, 1969; sons Tim (Modesty) Rowbotham of Dry Ridge, KY, Mark (Ayeisha) Rowbotham of Twinsburg, and Jeffrey (Julie) Rowbotham of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Dawson, Eli, Sawyer, Ezra Karl, Charlotte, Karl James, Audrey, Cooper, and one on the way; brothers Timothy (Brenda) Rowbotham of Conneaut, Scott (Bonnie) Rowbotham of Valdosta, GA, and Garth Rowbotham of Powell, OH; and nephews Scott (Janel) Rowbotham of Ashville, NC, and Michael (Caroline) Rowbotham of North Ridgeville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Samuel.

Celebration of Life will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 110 Gateway Ave, Conneaut. Private inurnment will take place.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church.

Contributions may be made in Karl’s memory to Conneaut Youth Center or New Leaf United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the service or at the Marcy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, which is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

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