Robert S. Rowland, 94, of McClure, Ohio died peacefully Thursday, November 21, 2019 at his home
surrounded by his family. He was born January 9, 1925 at his childhood home in Damascus twp. to the late
Carl and Mildred (Anthony) Rowland. He married Sarah (Fisher) Rowland on June 22, 1952 in Deshler, Ohio
and she preceded him in death on November 28, 2014.
Bob was a 1943 graduate of McClure High School. After graduation he was drafted in the U.S. Army Airforce
during WWII. He served as a Staff Sergeant Aerial Gunner 1943-1945 and received the Distinguished Flying
Cross after flying 36 European Theater missions in a B-17 Ball Turret for the 398th Bomb Group. On
November 2nd, 2018, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor by Consul General of France Guillaume
Lacroix for his participation of the Liberation of France during the Second World War.
Even with Bob’s prestigious military background he stayed humble to his roots. He worked at Gilson
Machine and Tool in Napoleon, State of Ohio Department of Highways Bowling Green, and farmed part-time.
He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, McClure, McClure American Legion Post #332,
Bethel Grange-Damascus Twp., and the 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association.
He is survived by his children; James Rowland of McClure, John (Tresa) Rowland of Hamilton, IN, Dennis
Rowland of Napoleon, Nancy Rowland of McClure, Tony (Roberta) Rowland of McClure; grandchildren, Jeffery
(Dawn) Rowland, Cassandra (Todd) Bishop, Carla (John) Powell, Joshua Rowland, Tyler (Sara) Rowland,
Matthew (Nicole) Rowland, Diana (Will) Swinghammer, Sonia (Mark) Schliegel, Tiffanie (Steve) Creager,
Angela Green, Jacob Rowland, and Jared Rowland; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Behnfeldt; and
brother-in-law, Bill Heckler. He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Berlinda Rowland,
sister, June Heckler, and brother-in-law, Walter Behnfeldt.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,
McClure. Interment will follow at Hockman Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the McClure
American Legion.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, McClure and Tuesday
from 10-11 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the 398th Memorial Bomb Group Memorial Association
(www.398th.org), McClure American Legion, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, McClure. Online condolences may
be made at www.rodenbergergray.com
