Jerry Lee Rowland

Jerry Lee Rowland, 79, of Vassar, Kansas passed away Friday, February 10, 2023.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Jerry was born Sunday, June 27, 1943, at San Antonio, Texas, the son of Marvin Lee and Velma Nadine (Golden) Rowland.

He lived in Vassar for nineteen years, moving there from Ottawa, Kansas where he resided from 1965 until 2001.

Jerry was united in marriage to Joella Rae Steere on November 17, 1962, in Manhattan, Kansas. She proceeded him in death on December 19, 2020.

He graduated from Manhattan High School with the class of 1962.

Jerry served in the United States Navy from 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1968.

He was employed at the Sunflower Powder plant in DeSoto, Kansas in the mid 1960’s to the mid 1970’s. Jerry was a truck driver for Pepsico distribution plant, Ottawa from the mid 1970’s to early 1980’s, Frito Lay, Topeka in the early 1980’s to late 1990’s, and Bones Transportation.

Jerry was a former member of the Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa. He enjoyed being outside fishing, hunting and off-road jeep trailing. Jerry was a craftsman in wood carving and loved the Colorado mountains. He and Joella spent many summers in Creede, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Ann Roatch; brother, John Rowland; and sister, Janice Warrick.

Survivors include daughter, Patricia Lynn Piersol (Jeff) of Vassar; son, Ronald Lee Rowland (Rebekah) of Garnett; sister-in-law, Penne Rowland of Williamsburg; brother-in-law, Larry Steere of Texas; nine grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Hospital c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.