On Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 6:55am, William (Bill) Robert Rowell, Sr., 96, surrounded by his sons Billy and Robbie, was called home to be with the Lord.
The third child of Clarence W. and Edith E. (Woods) Rowell, Bill was born on July 30, 1927 in the Lakeview Community of San Saba County, Texas. Bill spent his childhood between Brownwood, Texas and the family farm in San Saba County, working the fields that fed his family.
After graduation in 1945, at the age of 17, Bill joined the United States Navy, where he spent the next 12 months, serving during World War II.
After his discharge from the Navy, Bill remained in the naval reserves, and tried his hand at several different occupations, including policeman, oilfield hand, surveyor, and firefighter. He found his passion in firefighting, and joined the Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) in 1948.
In 1950, while still in the naval reserves and already on the FWFD, Bill was drafted by the United States Army, where he spent the next two years serving during the Korean Conflict.
Upon his medical discharge from the Army, Bill returned to the FWFD, where he remained until his retirement in 1982, after nearly 35 years of service. During those 35 years, Bill was repeatedly promoted, eventually earning the rank of Captain.
In 1952, Bill met Emmaleen (Emmy) Slussar (1926-1988). The two married in 1953 and welcomed sons, William (Billy) Robert Rowell, Jr. in 1962 and Robert (Robbie) Kelley Rowell in 1964. Bill and Emmy were married until her death in 1988.
Bill met and fell in love with Roxye F. Watts (1932-2020) in late 1988. They married in January 1989, and Bill became dad to her four children; Starla, Steve, Roxanne, and Tanya.
Bill and Roxye spent the next several years traveling and doing what they enjoyed most – square dancing and spending time with family and friends, eventually settling in the Joplin, Missouri area.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Stanley C. Rowell (1922-2015), Iris (Rowell) Stewart (1924-2013), Martha (Rowell) Myers (1929-2021), Clarence W. (C.W./Fritz) Rowell (1933-2015), Jackson D. (Jack) Rowell (1935-2018); wives, Emmy and Roxye; and one great-grandchild.
Bill is survived by his sons, Billy (wife Angela), Robbie (wife Sherry) and Steve Watts (wife Suzette); daughters, Starla Cannon (husband Ray), Roxanne Snipes (fiancé Stephen Vinson) and Tanya Baugh (husband Fred); 24 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 1 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Crossroads Baptist Church, 17531 RT-96, Carthage, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Knell Mortuary, 308 W. Chestnut, Carthage, Missouri. The burial will be held 11 am, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Laurel Land Cemetery, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, Texas. Pallbearers will be Brian Baugh, Caleb Baugh, Dan Baugh, Israel Baugh, Jadon Baugh, and Ty Baugh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fireman’s Relief Association, P.O. Box 6838, Fort Worth, TX 76115. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
