Duane M. RowlandSOUTH WHITLEY – Duane M. Rowland, 90, of South Whitley, died at 3:45 a.m. Sunday June 26, 2022, at Millers at Oak Pointe where he had been since March 23.
Born on Feb. 2, 1932, near Warsaw, he was a son of the late Merl and Anna Shepherd Rowland. Growing up in Kosciusko County, he graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1950.
On Feb. 1, 1952, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving four years during the Korean Conflict and receiving an honorable discharge on May 16, 1955. Whilst serving, he survived the typhoon that struck Okinawa.
On Jan. 3, 1953, he was united in marriage to Mary Jontz. They made their home in Silver Lake, Kosciusko County, then moved to the farm in South Whitley in 1968.
He joined the South Whitley Lions Club in 1988. He was also a member of the West Eel River Church near Silver Lake for 69 years, and most recently a member of the Collamer Christian Church.
Surviving are his three sons: Michael (Ginny) Rowland, of Columbia City; Daniel (Julia) Rowland, of South Whitley; and James (Kathy) Rowland, of South Whitley; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Additionally, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; sisters: Marjorie Rhoades, Arlene Judy, Patricia Baker, Colleen Bouse and Evelyn Clark; a brother, Emery Rowland; and great-granddaughter, Kortana Sloan.
The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials in Duane’s honor are to the South Whitley Lions Club and Collamer Christian Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
