Rex Dean Rowland Sr.

Rex Dean Rowland Sr.
1925-2017

Funeral Services for Rex Dean Rowland Sr., 91, of Midland were held Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church of Midland under the arrangement of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Graveside services were held Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton. Mr. Rowland passed away at his home Jan. 4, 2017.
He was born in Paris, March 7, 1925, to Lanis and Eudell Rowland. He was raised in Canton with his parents and four sisters. Being the only boy, he was truly adored and respected by his family. After graduating from Waxahachie High School in Waxahachie, He attended North Texas State University in Denton. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army and attained the rank of Sergeant. His World War II service was in the Philippines and New Guinea and he was awarded a 3 Star Ribbon and a SW Pacific Ribbon for his service to his country.
After his discharge from the Army, he graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. He worked in New Mexico for several years, and then moved to Midland to further his career in the oil and gas industry. There he met Patsy Jean LaFontaine and they were married on his birthday, March 7, 1964. They raised their two sons together in Midland. He formed Adelante Petroleum Oil & Gas in 1991. He formed many life-long relationships with his employees who loved him like a father. He went on to join Rising Star Energy and continued working as a dedicated professional landman until Nov. 2016.
Always the consummate sports fan, he was a loyal Longhorn for many years, even painting his front door burnt orange when UT beat OU. He only switched his allegiance over to Texas Tech University’s red and black for his grandchildren in later years. He refereed many baseball, basketball and football games during his lifetime. He also took a lot of pride in all the activities of his children and grandchildren and became an avid supporter of Midland High Bulldog Football. Even after his grandchildren graduated, he continued to attend Booster Club Meetings, take donuts to the coaches, and maintained his season tickets. In fact, he seldom missed a home game.
Exercise was always a big part of his life, and he hoped to pass the legacy of treating your body as a temple on to his family.  He was a longtime member of Midland Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf and card games with his close friends. He never met a person who did not become his friend and he will be missed by many.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, VFW, AAPL, MCC, MHS Football Booster Club, several other oil and gas related associations and was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his sons, Kyle Rowland of Eastland, and Rex Rowland Jr. of San Francisco, Calif.  He is survived by granddaughter, Taylor Rowland; grandson, Ryan Rowland and wife, Heather; great-grandchildren, Rhett and Parker Rowland; and daughter-in-law, Susan Rowland, all of Fort Worth; sister, June Groves of Pauls Valley, Okla.; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lanis and Eudell Rowland; wife, Pat Rowland; and sisters, Trixie Rowland, Dixie Harris, Margaret Felty, and Pam Clyburn.
Honorary Pallbearers include his dear friends, Tom Moore, Sid Lindley, Joe Liberty, Ted Collins, Bob Jones, Sherry Coskrey, Jim Whitsitt, Mike Grimm, Jim Massey, and Hortencia Hernandez.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to ASPCA, www.aspca.org, or any animal shelter, American Heart Association at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com