Larry D. Rowlison, Sr.

Larry Dee Rowlison, Sr. passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 at the age of 68, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 24, 1947 to the late Theodore and Bessie (Jones) Rowlison in Hoxie, Kansas. He was united in marriage to his first love, Marilyn VanVleet, on August 23, 1968 at the Hoxie United Methodist Church. They were blessed with three sons Larry Jr., Kenneth, and Jeffery. Larry held many different jobs over the years including Sheridan and Logan County Dispatcher, Sheridan County Fairgrounds Caretaker, and VFW Service Officer, Kansas. Larry loved anything to do with the history of the Old West along with John Wayne and his movies. You could often find him studying or watching either one. He also enjoyed sports, everything from the Chiefs and Royals to rodeos and car races. Larry was a Vietnam War Veteran and active member of the VFW and Cootie organizations, holding many offices. He and Marilyn lived in Honolulu, Hawaii for two years while Larry was stationed there before returning to Kansas and making Hoxie their home. Together they loved gardening, fishing, and making sure everyone had a shoulder to lean on. After Marilyn’s passing in 1999, Larry found love again in Zoa Fink. They were wed on October 7, 2000 and three daughters were brought into the family, Melissa, Connie and Tamera. They became very active in the VFW and Cooties and traveled to Washington DC, Pittsburg, and San Antonio. They enjoyed going to several rodeos, car races, and all of the grandkids events they could attend. Larry is survived by his wife, Zoa Rowlison, Wakeeney; sons, Larry Rowlison, Salina, Jeffery Rowlison (Cindy) , Russell; and daughters, Melissa (Ken) Berkgren, Colby, Connie (Erick) Bergquist, Goodland, Tamera Margheim, Monument; sisters, Bernice (Ron) Powers, Quinter and Doris Fishback, Avon, Ohio; and grandchildren, Jewel Maier (Brock) , Kyle Berkgren, Sierra Reed (Madison), Shailyn Rowlison, Dakota Rowlison, Jake Margheim, Alexis Bergquist, Breanna Huffman, Jayson Margheim, Evin Bergquist, Clayten Huffman, Danae Berkgren, Dusty McHam, Abigail McHam, Harley Rowlison, Nikki Berkgren, and Tyler Berkgren; one great-grandchild to be and numerous, nieces, nephews, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Rowlison; son, Kenneth Rowlison, his parents; and brothers, Marvin, Harold, Wayne, Dale, and Ronnie. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016, 10:30 A.M., at the Hoxie United Methodist Church, with burial following in the Hoxie City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, August 26, 2016, from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and The Military Order of the Cootie’s will hold a Vigil from 6:00-7:00 P.M. and conduct a ritual ceremony from 7:00-8:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to the VFW Home for Children (MOC House). On-line condolences may be left at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com. Of all the job titles and responsibilities Larry had, his most favorite was being a husband, father and grandfather. His family was his legacy and he loved them more than anything else. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten, because he will live in our hearts and our memories forever.