Willard “Wid” Rowland

Willard “Wid” Rowland, 95 of Gower, MO passed away, Thursday, December 1, 2016.

He was born on November 16, 1921 to Samuel Clayton and Myrtle Elizabeth (Lee) Rowland.  He grew up in Gower and graduated from Gower High School in 1939.  Willard served in the U.S. Navy Amphibious Forces in the Atlantic Fleet in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Normandy, and England.  He was transferred to the Pacific Fleet Amphibious Forces and served in Okinawa and the occupation on Japan. 

On February 10, 1946 he was united in marriage to Irma Dean Gartin.  After their marriage they lived in Gower where they made their home.  His wife, Irma Dean, passed away, April 10, 2015.

Willard was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Gower where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years.

He was a longtime member of the Gower Masonic Lodge and the Gower American Legion Post.  Willard was a former member and past president of the Gower Lions Club.  He served on the Gower City Council in the 1950’s.  He was active in the Little League Organizations, coaching for several years and was also a member of the Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame.

Willard retired from Mead Products in 1987 after 41 years of service.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, sister, Alma Hixson, and his brother, Marvin Rowland.

He is survived by her son, Ken Rowland and wife Susie; daughter, Beth Selk; grandchildren Brad, David and Jennifer Rowland and Rachel, Adam and Mark (Kristen) Herndon; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services:  1:00 p.m. Monday, December 5th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.

Burial with Military Honors:  Allen Cemetery, Gower, MO.

Visitation:  6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gower.