David Lee Rowell

David Lee Rowell, age 82 of Knoxville passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Life Care Center of Blount County with his family present. David was born in Hickory, NC and moved to Oak Ridge, TN in 1945 where he grew up and graduated from Oak Ridge High School. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, 1960-1968. He was a member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans Association.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Ada Rowell; infant son, David Rowell Jr.; sisters, Doris Tatham, Frances Louise Synan, Teressa Rowell and sister-in-law, Sue Childers. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Rowell; son, Gary Rowell (Jennifer) of Goodlettsville and daughter, Donna Barker (Mark) of Powell. Other survivors include his sisters, Betty Rather of Lenoir City, Ruby Ross of Loudon, and Vickie Darlene McGuire (Donald) of Clinton; brothers-in-law, Doug Childers, William Jones (Vickie), Jim Jones (Kathy), and Rob Jones (Kathi) all of Knoxville; grandchildren, Mary C. Onusko (Tim), Sara Wehlage (Hunter) and Taylor Lyon; great granddaughter, Emily Cummings as well as many special nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In addition, David leaves behind his church family at Bethel UMC of Knoxville.

The family wants to personally thank Pastor John Justice for his visits and prayers which made David's transition easier and Dr. Edward Newman and the staff at Fresenius West for their compassionate care. David's family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00pm at Bethel UMC, 2004 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN.