Ernest Walter Rowley
March 6, 1931 ~ September 15, 2021
Ernest Walter "Walt" Rowley, 90, of Princeton, Illinois passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Aperion Care Nursing Home, Princeton.
He was born March 6, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois the son of George and Kathryn (VanDeVort) Rowley.
Walt married Gladys Underwood on March 22, 1953 at the First Baptist Church in Princeton, Illinois. They shared 68 years together. She survives in Princeton.
He is also survived by three children: Laura (Bob) Gaylord of McKinney, Texas, Bryan (Brenda) Rowley of Princeton, and Greg (Michelle) Rowley of Wesley Chapel, Florida; seven grandchildren: Dylan and Kaleb Gaylord, Michelle Janssen, John Turner, and Charlotte Fisher, Sarah Petrin and Trevor Rowley; 6 great-grandchildren; one brother, Bill Nelson of Princeton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rita Merkley.
Walt was employed at Harper-Wyman for 42 years.
He was an avid coin collector, hunter and fisherman . He loved golfing and was never short on jokes. Walt loved the Lord and had a servant's heart. He was a very active member of the New Hope Church of the Nazarene, using his construction skills to help build and maintain the church. He loved children and could always connect with them. Most of all he cherished his family.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2021 at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Laura Root-Tanner, officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. prior to the service, Sunday. Memorials may be directed to the New Hope Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I am saddened by the loss of Walt; the entire family will be in my thoughts during this most difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Our sympathy to all the family.
Although I didn’t know your father personally I wanted to send prayer and sympathy to you Laura. Many happy “skating rink†memories with you, Forrest and me.
We will miss Walt and know he is with God. Our prayers for peace and strength go up for our dear Gladys and their children.
Walt was such a loving and caring person who loved Jesus. Always greeted you with a smile on his face and was always interested in what was going on in your life. You will be missed Walt â¤ï¸
My deepest sympathies for your loss.