John Rowling
Grafton |
John D. Rowling, 86, went to be with his Heavenly Father at 11:05 a.m., Friday, November 3, 2023 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Alton.
He was born in Grafton, Illinois on May 31, 1937, and was the last surviving child born to George Ross and Eva (Hart) Rowling.
Growing up in a large family, John learned early on the values of hard work and commitment to family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished time with his family, and valued the many friendships that he made throughout his blessed life.
He graduated in 1956 from Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville, and soon married the love of his life, Florence Morrison. The two married on December 7, 1957 at the First Presbyterian Church in Alton, and together their lives were blessed with 65 years of marriage and the joys of raising their three sons in the Grafton area.
His career with McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft spanned nearly 40 years, and with the exception of a few years spent in California with the company, John devoted his career in St. Louis, retiring in 1997 as the Director of Flight and Hanger Operations.
Surviving are his wife, Flo Rowling of Grafton; a son and daughter in-law, David and Lois Rowling of Grafton; four grandchildren and their spouses, Justin Rowling and Sarah Rowling both of Virginia state; Rebekah and Jacob McAtee of Godfrey, and Luke and Tiffany Rowling of Jerseyville; five great grandchildren, Lydia and Lorelai McAtee and Josie, Fletcher and Archer John Rowling; along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, John Douglas Rowling and Daniel L. Rowling; a grandson, Nicholas Rowling; two sisters, Virginia Wilson and Charlotte Townsend; and eight brothers, George Ernest, Robert, Samuel, Wayne, Roy Lee, Richard, Paul Kenneth and Pearl James Rowling.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Rev. John Gibson will officiate.
Burial will be in Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton.
Memorials may be given to Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
