Richard Worden Rowley

Lt. Colonel Richard W. Rowley, 84, died Sunday July 8, 2018 at home after a long illness. He was born in Ionia, MI to Helen and Kenneth Rowley on December 9, 1933. He graduated from Ionia High School and earned bachelor degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. He also earned a master’s degree from American University in Washington DC. He was a dedicated father and public servant. Richard was a U.S. Air Force officer for 20 years before he retired in 1977. He then went on to teach math and science for 20 years at George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, VA. He was a Boy Scout and Explorer leader for many years and an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Masonic Lodge, Kena Shriners, and Clan McLeod society. He is survived by his second wife of 26 years, Sandra, sons Doug (Marsha) and Phil (Martha), daughter Linda, stepsons Bill Bonham and Jeffery Bonham (Tina), stepdaughter Missy Russell (Tracy), two grandsons Kyle and Jesse Bonham, and brother David (Linda). He was preceded in death by his first wife of 36 years, Kathron, grandson Aidan, brother Jim (Betty) and sister Anne. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Demaine Funeral Home 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Funeral services will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 6320 Hanover Ave., Springfield VA on July 15, 2018 at 1:00pm. A reception will follow immediately at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals. https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.