Joe Wayne Rowell

On Sunday June 25, 2023 at 11:32 a.m. Joe Wayne Rowell, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and beloved relative and  friend to many was welcomed into Heaven by a host of angels and  his loving Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on January 13, 1937 in Silverton, Texas, the only child of Fred Warren Rowell and Loretta Icey Wallace Rowell.  He lived there until December 15, 1939 at which time he traveled to California with his parents, Fred and Loretta, Aunt Laura (twin to Loretta) and Uncle Loys Rowell, and two other brothers in a Model T Ford.  They arrived in Strathmore, California on December 25, 1939 and were welcomed by the Tillery family that lived on Road 232. 

Eventually they were able to purchase land across the street on Road 232, Strathmore and built houses side by side as funds were available.  The families lived there until all their children were married and the parents passed away. It is now owned by Joe Wayne and Shirley.  A special relationship has always been present between this family as they struggled through the hard times together working in Citrus, following the fruit every summer and  driving trucks before and after school and weekends. . 

Joe Wayne met his wife, Shirley Williams in the 4th grade when her house burned down in Porterville and the family moved to Strathmore.  Over the years, they were close friends and they attended Strathmore High School and Western Baptist Bible College together. They were married February 14, 1959 and bought their home in Strathmore in May of 1959.

He was drafted on December 4, 1959 and was eventually sent to Korea and was there until February 1962.  Having accepted Christ as his Savior at 13 years old, he was always drawn to serving God and was able to eventually become the Chaplin’s Assistant on base in Korea. He was actively involved in the work at the orphanages close by and loved that job.  He was discharged February 9, 1962.

Over the following years, he purchased his recent home along with the Dinky Diner in Strathmore and operated that for 20 years. He worked at Sherwood Homes as a builder and then became their property manager for over 30 years. He always loved the outdoors, golfing, fishing, hunting, and most recently was very involved with panning for gold in various locations in California and Arizona. 

He loved working with the Faith Baptist Church of Strathmore, he became a member very early in his life and helped to build the present multipurpose building on the property, serving on various boards and teaching Sunday school and being involved in the activities of the church.  He always strived to be a Godly example to those around him and especially to his own children and their friends.  He was called “Dad” by many young people who loved and admired him. 

Joe Wayne (his mom insisted on both names) leaves behind 5 of 6 children :

Scott Wayne Rowell (wife: Cindy), Mark Warren Rowell (deceased), Michele Denette Rowell Shelton (husband: Tiger Shelton), Melissa Lenette Rowell Guire  ( husband: Alan Guire),  Ryan Patrick Rowell ( wife: Andrea), Rene’ Patrice Rowell Veeman (husband: Derek Veeman)
 

13 Grandchildren:

Alexandra , Seth,  Andie, Tyson, Taylor, Brittany, Jadon, Samantha, Jessica, Justin, Camryn, Collin, Breanna

8 Great Grandchildren:

Skylar, Ava, Beau, Josie, Riley, Gracelyn, Mikah, Violet

One of the greatest joys for Joe Wayne and Shirley was having “Grandma’s Kids Kamp” for thirteen years where the parents would bring the grandkids to their house for a week to 10 days and leave them.  During that time, each day had a theme and “Papa” as he was called by the kids, would have the privilege  of building/creating the sets for the themes that were dreamed up by Grandma. He looked forward to that great time to interact with all of them and in his own way, teach them the value of family time, time with their God and how to love each other. To this day, the cousins are all very close and enjoy each other and others they come to know outside the family setting. 

A Celebration of Life is planned for July 11, 2023 at 11:00 at Faith Baptist Church of Strathmore,  19661 Roth Road, Strathmore, CA 93267-0216  (ph: 568-1610) Reception meal to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider any donations to the Faith Baptist Church::Attention: Joe Wayne Rowell Memorial Fund.  Thank you for your love for us and our families.   

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