GAP MILLS, WV --- Charles "Lewis" Rowan, age 79, of Gap Mills, WV, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Mon Health Medical Center in Morgantown, WV. Born April 2, 1940 at Gap Mills, WV, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Velma F. Amick Rowan. Charles was a graduate of Gap Mills High School and West Virginia University, earning his B.A. in Forestry. While attending WVU, Lewis was a member of the Rifle Team. Charles and his teammates of the 1962 Riffle Team, would make school history, by winning the 1962 National Championship. Charles served his country and was a Captain in the U.S. Army. He was a retired Forester from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Charles loved helping in his community and was a member of the Gap Mills Ruritan Club. He spent several years coaching 4-H shooting sports teams and qualified two state teams to the National Competition. Charles loved his family dearly, and he also loved his church family, and was a member of the Gap Mills United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Steve Lockwood, and two brother-in-laws, Jimmy Walker and Benny Wilson. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Pattie Wallace Rowan of Gap Mills, WV; one son, Matthew Rowan and wife Heather of Lewisburg, WV; two daughters, Meredith Snider and husband Allan of Morgantown, WV, and Melissa Lockwood of Kingwood, WV; one sister, Patty Walker of Harrisonburg, VA; eleven grandchildren, Brittany Metheny and husband Zachary, Katelyn Pifer and husband Adam, Alexander Snider, Austin Snider, Anna Moody, Samuel Moody, Phoebe Snider, Reece Rowan, Jacob Hixenbaugh, Ella Grace Rowan, and Mia Rowan; two great-grandchildren, Reese Metheny and Hallie Metheny.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2019 at the Groves-Mann Funeral Home Chapel in Union, WV with Rev. Robert Baer and Pastor Gene Fullen officiating. Burial will follow in Carmel Cemetery at Gap Mills, WV, where the WV Honor Guard will conduct Military Graveside Rites. Friends may call Sunday, August 25, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family requests memorial donations in memory of Charles be made to the Gap Mills United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send the Rowan Family online condolences or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral home, Union, WV