Robert F. Rowland's Obituary
Robert F. Rowland, 88, died Thursday, March 31, 2016 at his home in Tulsa surrounded by family. Robert was born on January 3, 1928 at home in Tuttle, Oklahoma to Worcester and Grace Rowland. Robert attended Tuttle and Bridge Creek schools. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy where he served six years and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He came to Tulsa, Oklahoma to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics. Upon graduation from Spartan, Robert was hired at American Airlines as a mechanic and retired as an inspector in 1995 after 43 years of service. He was a member of Transport Workers Union. Robert met Patsy Stunkard, the love of his life, while attending St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. They married on June 4, 1955 at the church where they met and were devoted members, lovingly serving throughout their 60 years together. Robert spent much of his time volunteering at the American Red Cross, Mended Hearts, Tulsa County 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Robert lived out his faith and always modeled it to his family and community. Robert was a steward in all aspects of life, from picking up trash while on neighborhood walks to serving the homeless for many years at the church’s Manna Meals program. Every winter, Robert dawned his Santa suit and brought joy to groups of children and adults at churches, preschools, nursing homes, and in most recent years at the Circle of Care Child SHARE Christmas parties for adoptive and foster families.When Robert was not volunteering or spending time with his family, he dedicated hours to working in his yard and multiple gardens. Robert, always itching to be active, tinkered with gadgets and acted as everyone’s handyman. He was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Nadine Reynolds, younger brother Billy Rowland, daughter Ruth Ann, and grandson Russell Warren. He is survived by younger sisters Myrtle Nelson and Leta Hendrix from California; his wife Patsy and three children and their spouses, Paula and Warren Barnes, Neil and Nancy Rowland, and Donna and Richard Dunkerson; grandchildren Dena, Jordan, Erica, Robert, Erin, Ryan, Eric, Daniel and Mark; great-grandchild Brody; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be Friday, April 8th at 2:00 pm at Floral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow with the Celebration of Life Service following at 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1442 S. Quaker Ave., Tulsa. Visitation will be Thursday, April 7th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Floral Haven, 6500 S. 129th East Ave., Broken Arrow. In lieu of flowers, Robert’s family asks memorials be made to one of four organizations that were close to his heart: the Arise Fund at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Tulsa County 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, or the American Red Cross. Please include a memo line of “Robert F. Rowland Memorial” and a note of “please notify Patsy Rowland of this contribution.” St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 1442 South Quaker Avenue Tulsa, OK 74120Tulsa County 4-H 4116 East 15th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112American Red Cross 10151 East 11th Street Tulsa, OK 74128 or online: https://www.redcross.org/donate/0316-aBoy Scouts of America 4295 South Garnett Road Tulsa, OK 74146 or online: https://okscouts.doubleknot.com/Form/takeSurvey.asp
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