David B. Rowland, 68, died Dec. 29, 2020, at his Newton residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born June 28, 1952, in Newton, to Emmert and Virginia (Hanke) Rowland. He married Linda Thomas on June 21, 1975, and they enjoyed 39 years of marriage before Linda preceded him in death. He worked at the current AGCO from 1972-1984 and worked for Boeing and Spirit aircraft in Wichita as a tool and die inspector and Union Steward until his retirement in 2015.
He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Newton.
David was an avid hunter. David enjoyed many years of hunting and fishing with friends and family. David also enjoyed classic cars. He spent many years restoring classic cars with his father and son. David sat on the Harvey County Park Board for a few years in Newton. David’s family was the most important thing to him. He could always be found supporting both his children and grandchildren in all their sports and education activities. David enjoyed traveling to the Colorado Mountains and Table Rock Lake with his wife, kids and grandkids. David was an animal lover. He spent his life teaching his children respect and love of animals of all kinds. David could be found driving around visiting friends or just taking a drive, always in tow with his two best friends, his yorkies Sammy and Chewy. David enjoyed spending time outdoors; he had a love of nature; he had a love for trees and flowers and could always be found looking for a new space to plant them. David was known by many as Papa Dave. He adopted many of his children’s friends as his own. If you were his friend, you were his family.
David is survived by his daughter, Jill D. Rowland and grandchildren, Katy Clanton, Kolby Clanton and Kaiah Wagner. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Beth Thomas, Debbie and Gerry Vanderheide, Lisa Thomas, Wanda Tilford and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by a host of adopted family and friends that he also cherished. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and son, Daniel Rowland. Graveside committal service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 7, at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton with Pastor Justin Braker presiding. Visitation was from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel in Newton.
Memorial donations may be made to Newton Recreation Commission for Hunter Education Classes, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
