William Raymond Stowe

WILLIAM RAYMOND STOWE William Raymond Stowe, age 84, of Sebring, FL, beloved husband of Gertrude Watcke Stowe, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 8, 2010, in his home. Mr. Stowe was born in Bridgeport, CT on May 12, 1926, to Lucy Holsworth Stowe and Leon Stowe, and was a Monroe, CT resident prior to his move to Sebring. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Later he was interested in horses and performed in amateur rodeos. He was an avid bird hunter and trained his English Setters to point and take part in field trials. He was a member and past president of Monroe Volunteer Fire Department. He was the owner of Randall & Stowe Oil Company, and upon retiring in 1985, he sold his business to his employees. He moved to Florida in 1985 as a Snow Bird, and as an avid golfer, joined Golf Hammock Club and spent summers in Connecticut playing golf at the Newtown Country Club. During these years he participated in several golf championships. In 1989 he became a full-time Florida resident and enjoyed a long and very happy retirement with his many friends and golf buddies. He also enjoyed reading and gardening. Mr. Stowe was predeceased by his son, William James Stowe, and two brothers, Leon Stowe and George Stowe. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gertrude Watcke Stowe; his daughter-in-law, Rosemary Stowe; two nieces, Lucy Darbisi and her husband Ronald of Monroe and Darlene Stowe of Bridgeport; nephew, George Stowe of Monroe and three grandnephews, Christopher, Nicholas and Michael Darbisi. He is also survived by his close friend of 55 years, William Roy, also of Sebring and formerly of Monroe, CT. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, Sebring. Memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 4840 Sun N Lake Blvd., Sebring, Fl 33872, in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com