In remembrance of my loving husband, born on May 4, 1954 to the union of Jimmy Lee Rowry Sr. and Florida Cage at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, who died on January 18, 2014, shackled and chained to a hospital bed at St. Mary’s in Jefferson City, removed from his caring and concerned family, deprived of his human dignity.
Robert, a non-violent offender, died of delayed diagnosis and treatment of his liver cancer in the belly of the beast of the state prison industrial complex, but in peace with God, nine days after denial of medical parole. We will seek justice.
Robert was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools. Exceptionally intelligent and talented in so many ways, he completed his GED at MECC at the age of 54. In prison he wrote two books.
In 1974 Robert first met Angie Mueller, who left for Germany and returned in 1999, whom he married at ERDCC in 2005. Robert had a son, Mileke, with MaryLou Wysinger in 1979.
A highly gifted, self-taught percussionist, Robert performed with Albert King, Bootsy Collins and Ice-T. For most of his life he played in bands, was appreciated for his excellent mechanic work and loved playing baseball.
Robert was a free spirit, well liked, respected for his ever present willingness to help and compassion for the plight of others. His charisma, great sense of humor, entertainment and story-telling enriched so many lives, although he himself lived with a broken heart from witnessing his North Side and East Side communities fall apart during decades of deliberate neglect, decay and blight.
Robert is loved and dearly missed by his wife, Angelika Mueller-Rowry; his second Mom, Ora Lee Robinson, Auntie Lillie Cage and Ms. Mae; his children Mark, Mitzie (Antonio), Mileke (Kiody) and Miracle (Larry) Wysinger; his grandchildren Jermel, Kierra, Melissa, Noel, Robert, Marcus, Maer’us and Zodric; his sisters Lillie, Florida Lee (Paul S.), Shirley Ann, Valerie, Jackie, Laura Anette and Cynthia; his brothers Ellis, Jimmy and Michael; his German in-laws, as well as a host of family and friends. He will always be in our hearts.
Wake: on January 31 from 5–8 pm, home coming and home going celebration will be held on February 1 at 10 a.m. at Reliable Funeral Home, 3964 Washington. Reception: at the Community Arts and Movement Project (C.A.M.P.), 3026 Cherokee.
