John E. Rowe, a retired sales manager and veteran of World War II and the Korean War, died Aug. 24 at the Multi-Medical Center in Towson of injuries sustained in an automobile accident this month. He was 80.

Mr. Rowe's wife of 50 years, the former Sophie M. Kulishoff, was killed in the crash Aug. 11 on Dulaney Valley Road near Interstate 695.

Born and raised on Shirley Avenue in Northwest Baltimore, he was a 1940 graduate of City College.

Mr. Rowe worked briefly before enlisting in the Army in 1942. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations and was discharged with the rank of captain in 1948. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict in 1951, and discharged a second time in 1952.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Western Maryland College.

Mr. Rowe sold pneumatic construction tools, first for Duo Fast, and then as a sales manager for Power Lines for 23 years. He returned to Duo Fast as a sales manger in 1982 until retiring in 1992.

After retiring, he was active at the Bykota Senior Center and with AARP. He was a member of the Adherence Masonic Lodge, Boumi Temple and the Scottish Rite.

Mr. Rowe was a member of and usher at Towson United Methodist Church, where services were held Wednesday.

He is survived by two daughters, Joyce Rowe McWilliams of Lutherville and Denise Rowe-Silverman of Cockeysville; and four grandchildren. His son, Robert K. Rowe, died in 1998.