The Richmond News, March 20, 2026

Charles Rowan

Charles Ray Rowan, 100, of Lee’s Summit passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at CenterPoint Medical Center in Independence. Charles was born April 18, 1925, in Millville and raised in Hamilton, the son of Henry Tate and Gladys Henrietta (Farr) Rowan; and brother to Donna Geraldine, Francis Loreta, Anna Coralie, Ruby Maxine, Virginia Marie, Doris Evelyn, Marilyn June and Dale Henry.

He was united in marriage to Virginia Lucille “Jenny” Harrell of Kansas City on Oct. 31, 1947. She preceded him in death on July 13, 2017.

He achieved Eagle Scout under Ambers Lee Glidewell of Hamilton, who died on D-Day in Normandy, France. Chuck joined the submarine service in 1943, serving until the end of the war in the Pacific Theater.

He got his GED and an associate’s degree under the GI Bill as a reservist. While going to college, he was called to duty for the Korean War.

Chuck served in the U.S. government for 30 years and was responsible for running one of the largest computers in the United States at the time. He was a proud farmer and gardener, and an avid reader.

Chuck loved his children: son Zak and his wife, Toni Rowan; and daughters Dallas and her husband, Chas Griefe, Debby and her husband, Brad Rozelle, and Ruth Rowan Pottinger.

He also loved his granddaughters: Margie and her husband, Mark Andrist; Sheilah Harber, Wendy and her husband, David Schaefer; Elizabeth and her husband, Norberto Rodriguez; Kristina and her husband, Charlie Rinehart; and Savannah and her husband, Zach Ours. In addition, he loved his grandsons: Jesse Rozelle, Harley Rowan, Adam Rowan and Luke Pottinger.

Chuck also loved his great-grandsons: Adam, his wife Brittany Harber and his brother, Andrew Harber. He loved his great-granddaughters, Madison Rowan and Brooke Schaefer; and great-grandson, Ryan Schaefer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to either the Veterans United Foundation in Columbia (https://www.enhancelives.com/) or Bethel Cemetery in Polo. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, March 21, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and Ray County Veterans.

Please share your memories of Charles with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.