John Harvey Rowland, 88, entered into his eternal rest on May 11, 2024, after battling (AML) cancer for the past 2 years. He patiently endured his diagnosis and treatments, while looking forward to his eternal reward.
John was born on January 13, 1936, in Jones County to Harvey and Opal Rowland. He learned the value of hard work while growing up on the family’s farms in Anson and later in Hereford, TX.
John served in the US Army from 1956 to 1958, with duty stations in the US & Germany.
He married Wanda Jo Pitts on August 21, 1958, in Hereford, TX. The couple was blessed with three children, 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandsons.
During the early years of marriage, the family lived in Hereford, Dumas, Plainview, Emporia, KS, and Amarillo. Retail, newspapers, and custodial services were his livelihood. He enjoyed reading, teaching Bible classes and helping others.
John became a Christian when he was a teenager. He was a longtime member of the Lawndale/Comanche Trail Church of Christ and served as an elder in the congregation for several decades.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Opal Rowland and brother, Jay Monte Rowland.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Pitts Rowland; children Sheri Miller and husband Dennis (Colleyville, TX), Jeff Rowland (Amarillo), Shelley Herrera and husband Robert (Amherst, TX); grandchildren, Michael Miller, Kacie Miller, Miriam Herrera, and Isaac Herrera; a brother J.L. “Jigger” Rowland, and a sister, Judy Leatherman and husband David.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:00am, at the Comanche Trail Church of Christ, 2700 SE 34th Ave, Amarillo, Texas 79103.
I’m so glad that my life crossed paths with John Roland. He was truly a man of God. He was my shepherd during some difficult times in my life. He and his wonderful bride, Wanda, will always be special to me. When I married I couldn’t think of any one else to perform our ceremony except for John. Now when I look at our marriage certificate I fondly remember the wonderful day Wanda and John shared with us. I look forward to seeing my brother John.
John was a great man and a great song leader . There won’t ever be another one like him
My sister, Darla, and I just learned of John’s passing. We are so saddened to hear this, Wanda. We would love to visit with you. We are praying for you all.
So sorry I never saw you again. Thank you for your encouraging words and for being a long life friend. My thoughts of you will always remain in my heart.