1919
John
2008
John Martindale Rowland, Jr.
February 14, 1919 — March 13, 2008
Plano/Harlingen, TX:
John Martindale Rowland, Jr. broke life’s bounds and returned to his Heavenly Home on March 13, 2008. He rejoined his love and life companion Helen, who had preceded him to her Eternal Reward.
John was a native Texan, born in San Antonio on Valentines Day (Feb. 14, 1919). For the majority of his life, Deep South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley was where his roots were planted. For more than 40 years, as a faithful Christian, John made his church home the First Baptist Church of Harlingen. This was also the city from which he labored as a Valley-wide real estate developer.
Travel was always a great enjoyment for John and Helen. Many were the entries in their passports as they journeyed to various locales across the globe. Among their favorite countries to visit were Spain, Portugal and Switzerland. But, it was always Harlingen to which they returned from their many travels to Mexico and throughout Europe.
One of his favorite places, however, was not far from home. For many years, he and Helen enjoyed the sun, surf and beautiful beaches of South Padre Island. As a land developer, John was also responsible for some of this vacation island’s enhancement and growth.
The game of tennis could be considered one of John’s passions. As a member of the Tennis Association he was heavily involved in tournament play. He created a mixed doubles format and enjoyed organizing many of the association’s tournaments. He always participated and was even known to occasionally win the events.
John’s deep involvement with the church was an important chapter in his life story. Not only did he hold membership in the First Baptist Church for more than 40 years, but also was a committed member of the leadership team, aiding in the growth of the church and participating in many of the expansion projects.
John’s love of God, commitment to the Christian church and worldview of humanity’s needs, developed through years of world travel, led him and Helen in the direction they finally elected to pursue. Working side-by-side, this husband and wife team devoted their energies to work in shelters for the homeless people.
In the late years of his life, John moved to Plano, Texas to enjoy the closeness of his beloved family. There he was comforted and loved by his daughter Diane Rowland Church (husband Peter), grandchildren Jill Church Myers (husband Rick) of Bryan, Texas and Christopher Church (wife Kimberly) of Spring, Texas along with great grandchildren Elizabeth Myers, Jessica Myers, Rebecca Church and David Church.
The ravages of time and failing health took John Martindale Rowland from his family on this date, but they are comforted, knowing he is again embracing his eternal partner, Helen and resting in the arms of the Lord.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2008, 10 a.m. at Mont Meta Mausoleum Chapel in San Benito, TX.
You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.buck-ashcraft.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
John Martindale Rowland, Jr. broke life’s bounds and returned to his Heavenly Home on March 13, 2008. He rejoined his love and life companion Helen, who had preceded him to her Eternal Reward.
John was a native Texan, born in San Antonio on Valentines Day (Feb. 14, 1919). For the majority of his life, Deep South Texas in the Rio Grande Valley was where his roots were planted. For more than 40 years, as a faithful Christian, John made his church home the First Baptist Church of Harlingen. This was also the city from which he labored as a Valley-wide real estate developer.
Travel was always a great enjoyment for John and Helen. Many were the entries in their passports as they journeyed to various locales across the globe. Among their favorite countries to visit were Spain, Portugal and Switzerland. But, it was always Harlingen to which they returned from their many travels to Mexico and throughout Europe.
One of his favorite places, however, was not far from home. For many years, he and Helen enjoyed the sun, surf and beautiful beaches of South Padre Island. As a land developer, John was also responsible for some of this vacation island’s enhancement and growth.
The game of tennis could be considered one of John’s passions. As a member of the Tennis Association he was heavily involved in tournament play. He created a mixed doubles format and enjoyed organizing many of the association’s tournaments. He always participated and was even known to occasionally win the events.
John’s deep involvement with the church was an important chapter in his life story. Not only did he hold membership in the First Baptist Church for more than 40 years, but also was a committed member of the leadership team, aiding in the growth of the church and participating in many of the expansion projects.
John’s love of God, commitment to the Christian church and worldview of humanity’s needs, developed through years of world travel, led him and Helen in the direction they finally elected to pursue. Working side-by-side, this husband and wife team devoted their energies to work in shelters for the homeless people.
In the late years of his life, John moved to Plano, Texas to enjoy the closeness of his beloved family. There he was comforted and loved by his daughter Diane Rowland Church (husband Peter), grandchildren Jill Church Myers (husband Rick) of Bryan, Texas and Christopher Church (wife Kimberly) of Spring, Texas along with great grandchildren Elizabeth Myers, Jessica Myers, Rebecca Church and David Church.
The ravages of time and failing health took John Martindale Rowland from his family on this date, but they are comforted, knowing he is again embracing his eternal partner, Helen and resting in the arms of the Lord.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2008, 10 a.m. at Mont Meta Mausoleum Chapel in San Benito, TX.
You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.buck-ashcraft.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.
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