John Rowland

John L. Rowland, 75, of Williamsburg, KS left his earthly life Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, KS.

He was born January 29, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri the son of Marvin and Velma (Golden) Rowland.  Because John’s father was in the Army for 20 years, John grew up and attended school in many locations including Germany for three years.  After high school, John moved to Kansas City for further education obtaining a degree as a certified auto mechanic.  While attending school at night he worked days at Gill Studios, a printing company.  He continued there after completing school, working there for 40 years as a print production supervisor. Upon retirement John focused his livelihood on his farm in Williamsburg as a farmer and stockman.

John served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 and reached a rank of E4.  He fought in the Vietnam War with a mechanized infantry company before his honorable discharge. 

On August 29, 1969, John was united in marriage to Penne Heth.  To this union a son, Paul Rowland, and a daughter, Kristie Stinebaugh, were born.

As a young man, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and training English Setters to hunt quail.  John enjoyed raising cattle and caring for the farm.  He didn’t want weeds or brush growing in the pastures and worked hard to prevent it.  He discussed the importance of care for the grassland with anyone who would listen. 

John enjoyed family fishing at the family farm and seeing them fill their deer tags on the farm, too.  He appreciated long time friendships and church family friendships.  John enjoyed working on the farm many hours with his son-in-law, Gene, becoming close friends through this.  He deeply appreciated the help his son, Paul and daughter, Kristie provided the last months of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Velma Rowland; his step-mother, Sue Rowland; a sister, Janis; a sister-in-law, Joella Rowland and a brother-in-law, Rick Heth.

He is survived by his wife, Penne Rowland of Williamsburg, KS; a son, Paul Rowland of Williamsburg, KS; a daughter, Kristie Stinebaugh and her husband, Gene, of Princeton, KS; a brother, Jerry Rowland of Vassar, KS; and seven grandchildren, Bridger, Kassidy, Rhyan, Jadalyn, Jagger, Kamryn, and Karlie.

To celebrate John’s life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, KS.  Memorial contributions may be made to Williamsburg United Methodist Church and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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