Robert "Bob" Rowat
January 25, 2011
Robert W. Rowat, 88, passed away January 25, 2011 at Valley View Village.
Bob was born April 26, 1922 to Tom and Lulu Rowat in Des Moines and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from East High School and attended Iowa State University. Bob was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the South Pacific during WWII. He played the clarinet in the U.S. Army Band that performed at Carnegie Hall. He owned Rowat Cut Stone Company, a family business, and retired in 1987. He was a founding member in both the Iowa Military Veterans Band and Des Moines Municipal Band. He was the choir director at Calvary Baptist Church and the director of the Des Moines Senior Singers. Bob was a member of the Pioneer Club, Lunch Bunch, Rotary Club and East Des Moines Club.
Bob is survived by his wife, Eileen; children, Jonathan (Kaye) Rowat, Lynn (Jane) Rowat, Tom (Delia) Rowat and Rebecca (Bruce) Van Der Beek; grandchildren, Emily Cook, Jamie Rowat, Lydia Van Der Beek, Abby Van Der Beek, Thomas Rowat, III and Rachal Rowat; sister, Marjorie (Eugene) Buechler; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Rowat.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2011, at Calvary Baptist Church, 606 E. 9th Street, of which he was a member, followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to East High Alumni Association or Valley View Village.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
The Riddle Family
01/31/2011
We were so stunned and sorry to learn of Bob's death. He was always so kind and caring to Kathy, Kent, Erin, and me. There were so many wonderful memories that we will all have. Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you.
Sorry for being so late in responding. We just found out on Saturday and obviously missed connections with Lynn and Jane prior to then.
Jeff, Luann, and family
01/26/2011
While we mourn the loss of Uncle Bob, we are blessed that he is now resting in the arms of Jesus. Although a quiet man, he was a good listener and a sweet grandfather to our children upon the passing of John. We are all truly greatful for his presence in our lives.
Paul & Ann DeNeui
01/26/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family as we mourn the loss of Bob. He was a big part of our lives in a number of ways. We will miss him.