Lowell Everett Roe

Lowell Everett (Red) Roe, a retired First Energy (Toledo Edison) executive who was instrumental in the design and operation of the Davis- Besse Nuclear Power Station. Died on November 5, 2016 at Kingston Residence at Perrysburg of complications from Alzheimers disease at age 91. Mr. Roe retired as Vice President after 36 years in 1984. He was highly regarded and admired by all who worked with him, recalls his daughter, Julie.In retirement he took many hunting and fishing trips to Canada, Alaska and other locations with his father, brothers and friends, all members of the Wawashkesh Hunt Club. He was also an avid gardener and woodworker most of his life, with his father and well past retirement. His interest and concern for wildlife and the natural environment was a large influence upon his career. In obtaining a site for David-Besse, he and his staff worked with state and federal wildlife officials to obtain maximum environmental protection in the plants construction and operation. As a result, an arrangement was worked out which added more than 500 acres of marsh land to the waterfowl refuge areas under federal control along southwestern shore of Lake Erie. Lowell was born in 1925 to Harvey Roe and Letha (Bash) Roe. After graduating from Whitmer High school in 1943 he enrolled in the US Navy in the V-12 program at BGSU, subsequently transferring to ROTC at Harvard University, completing the Naval Reserve Officers Training Program in 1945. He then received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Ohio State University in 1948 and began employment with the Toledo Edison Company. Also in 1948 Lowell married the former Ruth Bradburn, having met her on a blind date. They took many trips across the US, Canada, Mexico, as well as Cuba in the early 1950s. They also embarked on cruises to various tropical locations. They were married for 63 years until her death in 2011. Lowell was recalled to active duty from 1951-53 as a reservist. He received various medals for service in the Korean War, subsequently as a Lieutenant- Commander. While at Toledo Edison in 1956, Lowell was appointed Special Project Engineer and assigned to the Atomic Power Development Associates in Detroit MI (APDA), returning in 1961. In 1962, he was named Chief Mechanical Engineer. In this capacity he was responsible for the engineering, design, and all regulatory matters pertaining to the David-Besse Nuclear Power Station. He was promoted to Vice-President, Power (1973), Facilities Development (1974) and Energy Supply (1979). Mr. Roe was a member of the Board of Directors of the Toledo Edison Company (1975-1982), American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, American Nuclear Society and various other professional organizations. He was a lifetime member of Fairgreen United Presbyterian Church, serving as ruling elder for many years and helping with the design of the church at the time of its construction. He was also a member of the Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo Chamber of Commerce. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the OSU College of Engineering in 1975. Many thanks to all the wonderful employees of Kingston Residence in Perrysburg and Hospice of NW Ohio for the care and comfort that was so needed and appreciated. Surviving are his daughter, Julie; granddaughter, Kimberley; brothers Raymond (Marilyn) Roe and Harold (Ramona) Roe and two nieces. Friends will be received at HH Birkenkamp Funeral Home (3219 Tremainsville at Alexis, 419-473-1301) on Monday from 3-8 PM, where Services will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM. Entombment, Toledo Memorial Park. The family suggests tributes to the church, the Ohio State University College of Engineering, Ducks Unlimited, or to a charity of the donors choice. Online condolences: birkenkampfuneralhome.com