Robert Bruce Rowlett

Robert Bruce Rowlett,III Robert (Bob) Bruce Rowlett,III 89, was born April 7th, 1922 to Robert Bruce Rowlett, Jr. and Lyda V (Powell) in Waco, Tx. He passed away from this life on Saturday, March 10th, 2012 at Jane Phillips Hospital after a brief illness. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School, Corpus Christi, Tx. in 1939. He enlisted in the U. S. Army in October 1942 as a Private, and served in the Army Air Force until 1943 when he was transferred to U. S. Armored Forces. He served in the 45th Tank Battalion of the 13th Armored Division as Supply NCO, advancing to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in the European Theater, participating in three engagements. He joined the Army Reserve upon release from active duty in December, 1945. Upon completion of Baylor University in 1948, he applied for an officer commission in USAR and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the ORC being assigned to the Finance Corp. of the U. S. Army. Then he was called to duty in Korean War, 1950-1952, serving in the Finance Corp in the states and in Europe. His duties included Assistant Finance Officer at a post in Germany and Deputy Finance Officer at a post in Pennsylvania. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1951; then promoted to Captain in 1955; he retired from the service in 1963. He earned a BBA from Baylor University, Waco, Tx. 1948. He and his wife, Jeanne Rowlett, were married June 5th, 1948, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Waco, Tx. Bob worked for various Tile companies in marketing, sales, and managerial capacities, including U.S. Ceramic Tile. Bob and his family have lived in Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Waco, Tx.; Dallas, Tx.; Canton, Ohio; and Tyler, Tx. for 40 years; lastly, in December of 2010, they settled in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to be near their daughter, Susie, who has lovingly cared for them. His interests included: Audubon Society (past president); he presented programs about birds throughout the Tyler area; Teaching Birding classes at Tyler Junior College; Camp Tyler Foundation; volunteer income tax service for AARP; avid Eldercare participant; member of Masonic Temple in Waco, Tx.; Shriner in Tyler, Tx.. His true passion was serving his fellow members of Christ Episcopal Church in Tyler, Tx. for almost 40 years. He served as a lay minister; was an active member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew (their annual Golf Tournament was named after Bob); taught the weekly Men's Bible Study; led the Paper Guild for many years; he and his wife, Jeanne, were in charge of the "Primetimers" for 15 years. Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanne Fitzhugh Elwood Rowlett; brother Douglas Rowlett and wife Evelyn of Tyler, Tx.; daughters Cynthia Brandyberry and husband Jon of Cincinnati, Ohio; Susie Clark and husband Steve of Bartlesville, Ok; Martha Rowlett and husband Larry of Castell, Tx.; Robin Owens and husband Mickey of Garland, Tx.; his blessed grandchildren: Jacob Brandyberry, Jared Brandyberry (of Cincinnati); Nicole Paulson and husband Nathan(of Switzerland); Rebecca Lanz and husband Ryan(of Aldie, Va); Robert Clark (of Bartlesville, Ok); Calvin Owens, Madeleine Owens(of Garland, Tx.). Three treasured great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Zach Paulson of Switzerland; and Emma Lanz of Aldie, Va. A Memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, with Reverend Dr. Lee Stephens and The Reverend Richard H. Elwood, brother-in-law of Bob, officiating. Bartlesville, Ok, on Tuesday March 13th at 11:00 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, at 210 S.E. 9th, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, 74003. PDF Printable Version

Robert Bruce Rowlett

April 7, 1922 - March 10, 2012