Donald Harrison Rowell

On December 10th of 1960, Don married Blossome J. Mullis, forging a union that would last more than 60 years, and produce two children, Michael H. Rowell, and Michelle R. Starnes. 

In addition to Michael and Michelle (both of Monroe), Don is survived by six grandchildren: Zachary H.  Rowell (Boca Raton, FL); Spencer M. Rowell, and wife, Jordan, Skyler A. Rowell, Emily S. Ross, and husband, Daniel, Brayden Starnes, and wife, Jenna, Lanie Starnes (all of Monroe); and one great grandson, Brooks M. Rowell (Monroe); beloved brother Bill Rowell, and wife, Margaret (Indian Trail, NC); and sister, Hazel Rushing (Stanfield, NC).  In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by sisters Elegeva Gaddy and Sylvia Nance.

Over the years, Don had worked with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Charlotte Casket Company, and Goulston Chemical Company before retiring from the Union County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. 

Don always enjoyed the beach and spent many happy days fishing at the Outer Banks with family and friends. He was there just a year ago to share in the joy of his grandson, Brayden’s, proposal to his now wife, Jenna. Another favorite destination was the beach place at Long Beach (now Oak Island), where he and brother Bill had both purchased lots in 1965 for the princely sum of $500 dollars each.  In his younger years, Don always enjoyed rabbit hunting, especially with his father, Carl, and his son, Michael.  A cross-country trip in 1986 with his wife, Blossome and daughter, Michelle, was a favorite memory.  As a younger man, Don was at ease on the dance floor, showcasing moves from square dancing to Lindy Hop, and was always the life of the party.

Don enjoyed the company of a small menagerie of animals who always ran out to greet him.  His big pasture was home to his donkey, Mitch, a big family of goats, and his pride and joy, Sally, who grew from a tiny, abandoned baby deer to spend her life there.  

Although Don had married an “only child”, he always welcomed all of Blossome’s large, extended family to the “Big House”, the Mullis family homeplace where they lived from 1970.   There was always plenty of love and laughter, and on winter mornings, there was often fried rabbit, red-eyed gravy, and a big pot of hot coffee.  

Nobody touched Don’s heart like Blossome’s younger cousin, Douglas Stultz, who had Multiple Sclerosis and spent many years in a wheelchair.  When Doug came to visit from out of town, the two were inseparable and Don made sure that Doug was included in whatever fun activity the group was engaged in.  He helped Doug swim in their backyard pool and saw to it that when Doug came to “the Big House”, he was the star of the show.  Doug considered Don to be his special “Daddy Don” and always said that he wanted to “go to the courthouse in Union County and change his name to Doug Rowell.”  

Even as giving as Don was to Doug, nothing equals his love and commitment to Blossome during the last years of her life as she was losing her way to Alzheimer’s.  Blossome often commented on how good Don was to her, taking care of her needs and making her feel loved, all the way to the end. He was her rock.  

Don is to be cremated, and a memorial service held in his honor at 1 PM on Tuesday, October 4 at the McEwen Funeral Home, 204 South Main Street,  Monroe.  Elder Charles Smith will officiate, and visitation will follow immediately afterwards, at McEwen’s.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Union County 700 W Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.  The family wishes to say a special thank you to the nurses of Hospice of Union and Anson Counties, who brought so much comfort to Don in his final days.  They especially thank Ms. Kay Lowery, CNA, who brought Don a little extra fun and laughter. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com for the Rowell family.