Larry Milton Rowan
October 25, 1944 – March 3, 2026
Larry Milton Rowan, 81, passed away peacefully in Stockton, California on March 3, 2026 with his family by his side. Born on October 25, 1944, in Milton, Washington, to Claude and Caroline Rowan, our father lived a life defined by quiet strength, service, and a selfless willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need.
A true patriot, our dad Larry dedicated 27 years of his life to the United States Army, serving his country with honor and pride. Following his military retirement, he continued his life of hard work as a truck driver, traveling across all 50 states until the age of 65.
After his years on the road, our dad Larry decided to split his time between California and Washington to be with his daughters. He was the man people called when they needed something fixed or a problem solved. Whether he was tinkering in the garage, restoring old cars, gardening or meticulously trimming his rose bushes, our dad was happiest when his hands were busy. He loved sharing his knowledge, especially when it came to teaching others how to work on engines.
Our dad Larry found joy in life’s simple rituals: riding his Harley with his fellow veterans and friends of the VFW Motorcycle Riders group, popping popcorn, making wind chimes, putting together model cars, listening to country music, he also loved having breakfast a couple times a week at his favorite local spot Casa Grandes with his Casa family Julie, Bob, Renae, Janet, Martin and many more. He also liked watching “Grit” with his bird, Scrooby. His faithful dog, Dobbie, was his constant and devoted companion. We will forever miss the familiar sound of his arrival—the signature “tap on the wall” that let everyone know that he was coming around the corner.
Our dad Larry is survived by his daughters, Llona (Rich) Mowat and Brandie (Rob) Amo; Nicole and Sarah, whom he loved and treated as his own daughters. He was the proud grandfather of Brittany (Tyler) Lemoine and Baylea Mowat; and a doting great-grandfather to Kaden Collins (17yrs old), Brooklyn Allen (12yrs old), Beau Lemoine (9yrs old), Maisie Blandford (5yrs old), Tate Lemoine (1yrs old), and Hope Amo-Contreras (4yrs old). He also leaves behind his brothers, Ronald Rowan and Melvin (Cathy) Rowan, along with numerous other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Caroline; his grandson, Zachary Collins; and his former wife, Mickey, with whom he remained very close until her passing in 2013.
Our dad Larry’s legacy of kindness, hard work, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He taught us that the greatest way to lead is by serving others, one helping hand at a time.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 3, 2026, 12:00pm at: Manteca VFW Hall Post 6311 580 Moffat Blvd. Manteca, CA 95336
In Loving Memory of Dad
Not a day passes by, Dad,
that you don’t cross my mind.
Not all of you departed
when you left our earth behind.
You were gone before we knew it
and only God knows why.
It broke our hearts to lose you
the day God took you home,
but you didn’t go alone, Dad,
for part of us went with you.
In my heart there is a place
that only you can hold,
Filled with loving memories
more priceless than gold.
I know you still hear me, Dad,
so please know this is true:
that everything I am today
is all because of you.
Forever in our Hearts
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Rowan family.
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