Dairel W. Rowan

Dairel W. Rowan, 88, of 19985 Gill St,. Meadville, passed away Sunday, July 21st, 2013 at Marquette Hospice House, Meadville.

Dairel was born in Tallmansville, WV on November 4, 1924, a son of the late Arthur M. and Susan E. (Friel) Rowan.

On October 8, 2004 Dairel married Lois Turner Anthony; she survives. He had previously married Betty M. Burns on November 22, 1947; she preceded him in death on August 3, 2002.

He was an active member of Wesleyan Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, song leader, class leader, as a trustee and on various committees.

From 1967 until his retirement in 1988, Dairel worked as a self employed barber in his shop located at 851 Water St. in Meadville. From 1964-1966 he served an apprenticeship at the Savoy Hotel Barber Shop. In 1964 he graduated from Cambria County Barber School, Johnstown. He had previously been employed by Culligan Water Conditioning for a period of ten years. A WW II veteran, Dairel entered the US Navy on July 26, 1943 and served his country honorably until his discharge on May 12, 1946. Much of his service time was spent in Okinawa, Japan, as a Medic. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Star, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Dairel enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing dominoes, singing, playing music, especially on his harmonica and writing poetry. He will be remembered as a dedicated servant of Jesus who loved God and loved people.

In addition to his wife, Lois, Dairel is survived by four children Anita Thurber and her husband Karl 'Rick' of Meadville, Leonard Rowan and his wife Marge of Cambridge Springs, twins Lester Rowan and his wife Kristina of Mercer, Chester Rowan and his wife Kathy of Piedmont, SC, eleven grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, a sister Edna Burford of Clarion, a brother Delmar Rowan of Cowen, WV, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents and his first wife, Betty of 54 years, Dairel was preceded in death by five sisters Marguerite Holden, Carol Bailey, Thelma Salsbury, Wilma Tenney, Verna Cunningham, two brothers Otis Rowan and Chesley Rowan.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, from 5-8 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St. Meadville.

Family and friends are also invited to call Thursday from 12-1 at Wesleyan Methodist Church, 836 N. Main St., Meadville, where Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Paul Houseworth officiating.

Interment with Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006 will take place in Blooming Valley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesleyan Methodist Church, 836 N. Main St., Meadville, or Marquette Hospice House, 13465 N. Wayland Rd., both of Meadville, PA 16335 or Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Landefeld, Dr. Zelen, the staff of Meadville Medical Center and the Hospice of Crawford County staff.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com