David Allen Rowgo, 75, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died November 10th, 2018. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that he had touched through the years.

David was born October 8th, 1943, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Russell and Elizabeth (Alexander) Rowgo.

He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1962 and served in the US Navy, later attending Western Michigan University while working at Gibson Guitar Company. David worked for the City of Kalamazoo and retired from the City Water Department as a Construction Foreman in 1995.

David wished to introduce the love of Christ to others in song and for most of his adult life he was a musician and worship leader in many different church communities in the Kalamazoo area including United Brethren, St. Joseph Good Shepherd Community, Agape and Vineyard.

He enjoyed sailing, fishing, nature, music and relaxing with his family. David loved meeting new people and spent years volunteering at Bowen’s Mill in Middleville, Michigan, which combined his love of history and the simplicity of old-world life with that of teaching and wood crafting.

In his later years, David enjoyed repairing all forms of stringed instruments just to provide gifts to others and to pass on a musical legacy. As part of the Kalamazoo folk music community, David sought to communicate the rich heritage of this art form to the next generation and was pivotal in initiating a SongFarmers Music Chapter in the Kalamazoo area.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Smiertka) Rowgo; his brother, Jack (Marilyn) Rowgo; his sister, Martha (Richard) Nabors; his son, Russ (Christina) Rowgo; and daughter, Mara (Craig) McClellan; and his grandchildren, Steven, Christina, Samantha, Hope and Seth; as well as 4 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joyce Hoger.