Howard Clinton Rowan

Howard Clinton Rowan, Jr., passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.
Rowan was born in Aldrich, April 21, 1933 to Howard Clinton Rowan and Wanda Inez Rowan.
He grew up on a farm near Aldrich. He graduated from Dadeville High School in 1951 as salutatorian of his class. He was drafted into the army in 1953. After basic training, he was sent to Korea where he served in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Unit until he was discharged in April 1955.
Rowan married Joyce Ellen Stephens on May 27, 1955. From this union they had two children, Stephen Howard Rowan and Anita Ellen Rowan. They were married 36 years until Joyce’s passing. They purchased a 60-acre farm in 1967 where he lived until his death.
Rowan was a correction officer at the US Prison Medical Center for 18 years. He then sold insurance and raised cattle until his retirement.
Rowan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce; son Stephen; parents Howard and Inez; and sister Nancy Davis.
He is survived by his daughter Anita Watson and husband Brent; sister Ann Lemieux and husband Al; four grandchildren; stepdaughter Laura Johnson and husband Cotton; and 17 great-grandchildren. Rowan is also survived by devoted companion of 18 years, Alice Detherage.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Aldrich.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Rowan’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be mailed to the funeral home, Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Ash Grove, MO 65604.
Arrangements under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove.