- Born on: October 31, 1943
- Departed on: December 28, 2025
- Resided in: Williamsburg, IA
Richard Keese Rowell
Richard Keese Rowell, 82, of Williamsburg, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
Richard was born on October 31, 1943, in Midland, Texas, to Thomas David and Ruth (Keese) Rowell. He attended grade school and high school in Houston, Texas, and was always proud to be a Texan.
In 1996, he moved to Iowa to be closer to his children and grandchildren, who were the center of his world. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all their activities.
Richard loved the beach, fishing, casinos, and horse racing, and in later years, he took up golf.
Adventure was in his soul—he would often jump in the car for spontaneous trips to Jefferson, Texas, to visit cousins and fish at Caddo Lake, or to Corpus Christi for fishing and golfing with his brother. He also loved visiting Denver to spend time with his sister and her family. Two of his favorite excursions were a cruise with his siblings and a Amtrak trip to California. Richard had a passion for seafood, Mexican food, and, of course, Whataburger on every trip back to Texas.
A devoted college football fan, Richard’s favorite team was the Oklahoma Sooners, but he also rooted for all Texas teams and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Richard is survived by his children: Gwendy (Larry) Ehret, Todd Rowell (Lyndie Decker), Brett (Karey) Rowell, and Dana Evans; his grandchildren: Caitlin (Jamie) Daniels, Madison (Tyler) Gruhn, Sidney and Gracie Ehret, Barak (Josie) Rowell, Eli (Betsy) Rowell, Ellie and Alysse Rowell, Straton Evans (Taylor Davenport), Zach Evans, Brandon Evans (Jordan Wittrock), Melissa Trueg (Ben), Mike Harkrider (Kelcey), Amanda Harkrider (Landon Palmer); and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Ladonna Rowell, sister Barbara Rowell Kerstetter, brother Tom Rowell, grandson Jeremy, and his parents, Ruth and Tom D. Rowell.
Richard will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love for family, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
