Richard King “Dick” Rowland
Richard King “Dick” Rowland, age 68, of Shelby, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday morning, October 27, 2018 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital surrounded by his family.
Dick was born September 24, 1950 in New London, Ohio, the son of the late King B. and Leah “Jean” (Cook) Rowland. He was a 1968 graduate of New London High School. Dick devoted his life and career to the United States Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard and graduate from the Senior NCO Academy in Montgomery, Alabama. He retired after 36 years of service to his country as a Chief Master Sergeant from the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base. He was proud to serve his country, to honor and respect our flag, and was incredibly proud that his grandson, Nathan, followed in his footsteps to serve his country as well.
Dick was a hard worker who never met a stranger. He also retired as a full-time firefighter at Mansfield Lahm with the State of Ohio after 28 years of service. In addition to Lahm, Dick was also a longtime volunteer firefighter in Shelby and New London. He also drove truck for his father’s trucking company, K.B. Rowland Trucking Co., in New London for many years.
Dick was a Mason and was a member of the Mansfield AmVets, Shadow Flight retirees’ group for the 179th Airlift Wing, and First Lutheran Church in Shelby. He enjoyed truck pulling as a team with his children where together they made many friends that they refer to as their “Pulling Family”. Dick loved his family and was always active in all his grandchildren’s activities, whether that be in attendance, through sponsorship, or both.
On December 6, 1986, Dick married the love of his life Faline M. (Buckert) Rowland who survives, along with 2 children: Tess (Kris) Thomas and Chris (Deb) Rowland both of New London; 5 grandchildren: Nicholas Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Emilee Rowland, Madison Rowland, and Kory Rowland; 3 sisters: Mary Jo (Marion) Paramore, Carol Skillicorn, and Linda (Mark) Roeder all of New London; the mother of his children: Jonna Hanville Rowland; his Goddaughter: Macey Wenrich; lifelong friends: Joe and Sheila Pryor; and other relatives and friends. His parents preceded him in death.
Calling hours will be observed in both New London and Shelby. Family and friends are welcome on Monday, October 29, 2018 from 1-3 and 6-8pm at the EASTMAN FUNERAL HOME, 200 West Main Street, New London, where Masonic services will be conducted at 5:30 pm. Visitors are welcome again on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the PENWELL TURNER FUNERAL HOME, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 11 am. Pastor Rus Yoak will officiate and burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the 179th Airlift Wing Honor Guard and Last Alarm will be conducted by the Mansfield Lahm Fire Department.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or First Lutheran Church in Shelby and left in care of either funeral home. To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: www.PenwellTurner.com
The NLHS Class of 1968 wishes to remember our classmate Dick and convey our sincere sympathy to his family.
I am so saddened to hear of Dicks passing. Our families were connected for many years. I loved The GTO, or Goat, that Dick had when I was a kid.
Loved his smile and laugh!! He was always great to my mom and siblings. Prayers and condolences.
I am deeply sorry to hear of my cousin passing. My sympathy to those cousins and their families I know and to those I don’t. May your memories sustain you through your difficult times ahead. Charlotte Cook Dobrinsky in Pittsburgh
My thoughts and prayers to Chris and Tess and the family. I’m sorry to hear about your dad, Dick will be missed, may God help you now and in the days to come.
I’m so sorry for your loss Chris and Family. Prayers and hugs to you all
My thoughts and prayers to all the Rowland family. I was fortunate to meet Dick a few years back and was part of his “pulling family” I will miss his visits to my garage and just passing time talking with him. Truck pulling wont be the same without him. Rest easy my friend
Faline I am truly so sorry for your loss. Dick was a very caring and gentle soul; he’ll be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Dick’s entire family. May god give you all the strength and peace in the upcoming days and weeks. God bless you all
Sorry for your loss God Bless
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Dick. The Rowland family was very much a part of the Zimmerman family. Now that he is in his forever home I am sure there has been a lot of talk about trucks, cars, fire fighting and kids. He was greeted by numerous family members and friends. Rest in peace Dick!
Ruth Ann & Harvey Cunningham
To Faline and the entire Family: We are deeply sadden by Chief Rowland’s departure. But we know that his home is with the Lord. All the good works that he did on earth will follow him upon his entrance into God’s Kingdom. Our love and prayers are with you.
I am sorry for your lost and have my deepest sympathy to the passing of Dick.
You have my deepest sympathy on the passing of Dick.
So sorry for your loss. Dick was a fine man.
So sorry for your loss,my sympathy to the family.
Faline & Family, our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. We will always remember Dick as such a fun loving man!
Faline, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts go out to the entire family.
Faline, you have and will always be in my heart. Dick was a wonderful man, and will be missed greatly.
Feline and family, so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He left us much too soon . Dawn
Faline, saddened to learn of Dick’s passing.
Feline, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dick, the years that we. new him, we thought he was a great person. We will be thinking of you and your family during this time. RIP Dick! We will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you and your family peace during this time! Todd and Tammy Armintrout
So sorry to hear of the Chief’s passing. Dick was a great asset to the 179th Airlift Wing.
Feline, so sorry. He will be missed. Anything I can do to help please contact me. Love you guys!
Faline, so sorry for your loss. Dick was one of the most thoughtful and caring man. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dear Faline, Mary Jo, Carol, Linda and your families… I was very sad to hear of Dick’s passing. I have only good memories of time spent with all of the Rowland family over our lifetimes together.
Rest in peace my ‘other brother’…rest in peace. Love you all and I hold you in my heart now and always. XOXO Jo
I was saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. He will be missed by many.
It was an honor to have met you Sir. It was a pleasure to have worked next door. My prayers and condolences to the family. Dick, you’ve served your time here….heaven has called for you to serve there. Semper Fi!
Faline, our prayers have been fulfilled for Dick’s healing, maybe not in the way we expected or wanted. But the good news is that now Dick has been rewarded for his service to the Lord and desire to be with HIM. We will sure miss him, but not as much as you. Our prayers will continue for you and his family.
I have fond memories of Dick & family from my childhood. I am sorry for your loss, and ask that our Lord wrap you in peace in knowing that Dick is with Him.
What an absolutely wonderful and genuine man Chief Rowland was! Faline, you and your family are in our prayers❤
Faline, We’re so sorry to hear about Dick. He was definitely one of those who made the 179th great. I’m sure he’s given you a lot of great memories. Don & Sally
Dick was a hard worker, dedicated Guardsman and a good friend… who was always there to lend a hand. He will be missed…
Feline, I am sorry for your loss, you and your family have my deepest sympathy to the passing of your beloved husband, Dick.
Faline, what an honor to serve with Dick. I was truly blessed to know him and see how well he worked with our Airmen as our First Sergeant. He was always professional and truly First Class all the way. I particularly appreciated that he was by-the-book and treated everyone fairly and consistently. He will truly be missed by all in the 179th MAPS, especially myself. May God Bless you and your family,
Faline, We are so sorry to hear about Dick. He was a great man and will be sorrowfully missed. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Wendy and Todd Hunt
Faline, I am so sorry for your loss. I am honored to have worked with Dick in MAPS. He will be missed by all.
Faline, I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. He contributed so much to the 179th. A true Patriot. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Faline, sorry to hear about the passing of Dick. What a great guy and contributor to the 179th Airlift Wing.His patriotism was something that many will remember him for as well as his positive attitude. I enjoyed working with him over the years. I hope that you will enjoy the good memories of him for a long time. God bless you and his family.
Faline,,
Dick was a confidant and mentor. He had a profound influence on me as a member of The APS! I truly admired and respected him as a man and First Sergeant. I am sorry for your loss! He will be missed by a great many. I am a better person for having known him. Thank you for sharing him with so many.
We are so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. RIP.
Love,
Julie and Larry