Donald Thel Rowland

Donald Rowland

Donald Thel Rowland, 64, of McConnells, SC, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015, in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala while on a mission trip with Bethesda Presbyterian Church. He was born in West Palm Beach, FL, to the late Norman and Florence Rowland. He served active duty in the US Marines during the Vietnam War before marrying the love of his life, earning his MBA at Florida State University, and moving to York County. Here with his family, he built a life in the country and a career in financial management. Don was a charismatic, generous, and kind man who loved to make everyone around him happy. He deeply loved his big family and many friends and will always be adored by them. Don embraced life and all that it has to offer - cooking, traveling, gardening, farming, woodworking, music, books, and art were some of his many passions. He was an active member of the community, including his work with Boy Scouts, many roles in his church, and work with local charity organizations as well as overseas missions. Recently, he had begun working to establish breeding families of heritage chickens and to raise heirloom vegetables in his garden. He fit more living into his lifetime than anyone thought was possible.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his wife Leah; daughter, Lynsey (Randy) Peterson; son, Justin (Racquel) Rowland; brothers, Kenny (Rita), Gary (Becky), and David (Cindy) Rowland; sisters, Susan Rowland (John) and Molly (Billy) Brown; grandchildren, Gabriel, Eleanor, and Immanuel; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Bethesda Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 22nd from 6-8 pm.

Funeral services and interment will be held at Bethesda Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 23rd at 12 pm / noon. A covered dish tribute meal will be held immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald’s name to the Guatemala Mission Fund at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 4858 McConnells Highway York, SC 29745.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.BrattonFuneralHome.com.
Bratton Funeral Home in York is serving the Rowland Family.