SFC (Ret) Thomas Louis Rowland

SFC (Ret) Thomas L. Rowland, son of Ray Dean Rowland, Sr. and Patsy Mozell (Vines) Rowland, was born August 25, 1963 in St. Louis, Missouri at St. Lukes Hospital. He grew up in Bridgeton and attended Carrollton Oaks and Bridgeton elementary schools. He then attended Holman Junior High School and graduated from Pattonville High School in 1981. While in the military, Tom obtained his Associates Degree through Central Texas College. On August 12, 1981, Tom entered the United States Army as a dental specialist and served his country faithfully until his retirement on June 21, 2001 after being injured while serving in Korea. He loved the life of the Army and serving his country. He earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (8th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 2, Army Service, Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar, and the US Army Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Achievement Stars. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. On February 13, 1986, Tom married the love of his life Antonia Maria Schoenmann in Lyngby, Denmark. They shared over 24 years of marriage together and were blessed with one daughter: Sherry Ann. Tom loved being a family man. His wife and daughter were the joys of his life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing until his medical condition tried to take that away from him. His passion then turned to World of Warcraft. Soon he had his whole family hooked on it. He enjoyed playing the game with his wife, daughter, brother, nieces, nephew and cousin. Tom passed away the morning of Monday, January 24, 2011 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri at the age of 47 years, 4 months and 30 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. He left a big family behind not only here in the United States but also his in-laws in Germany and Holland. Tom leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Antonia Rowland; one daughter: Sherry Ann Rowland, both of the home; his mother: Patsy Rowland of Sullivan, MO; one brother: Ray Dean Rowland, Jr. (Carol Sue) of St. Louis, MO; grandmother: Goldie Dale Vines of Sullivan, MO; three nieces: Paxton Mariah, Alexis Brooke and Paige Anne Rowland; one nephew: Austin Ray Rowland; father-in-law: Anton Schoenmann; brother-in-laws: Henry, Kai-Uwe, Joerg, Thomas, and Ulrich; sister-in-law: Beatrix along with their spouses and children; several aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his father: Ray Dean Rowland, Sr.; his grandparents: Elbert Vines and Dorothy and Walter T. Rowland; uncle: Lloyd Franklin Rowland; mother-in-law: Helga Schoenmann; cousins: Kay and Michael Rowland. Graveside services with military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2011 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Ft. Leonard Wood with Chaplain (MAJ) Chuck Searl officiating. Several friends and family members recalled their wonderful memories of Tom. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Tom Rowland and may be left at the funeral home.

SFC (Ret) Thomas Louis Rowland

August 25, 1963 - January 24, 2011