Neil Edward Rowland

Neil Edward Rowland was born on December 30, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois to Charles Edward and Doris Jean (Polson) Rowland. After high school graduation Neil enlisted into the United States Air Force that landed him in California. There he married Mary Kathryn Friese that he loving called ‘Kathy’ on August 21, 1974. As one of six siblings, Neil cherished a big family. He and Kathy had four children of their own, three sons and one daughter. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 26 years before retiring in 1995. 

The couple relocated to Altus, Oklahoma to care for Kathy’s mother in 1992 and they soon enjoyed full retirement. Neil treasured the simple past-times of life like listening to music of preferred artists such as the Eagles and Reo Speedwagon along with various country artists. He liked to play games on the iPad and reading one of his favorite authors, Louis Lamour. You could always find Neil watching a K.C. Chiefs game when they were playing. Neil passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the age of 75.

His parents, Charles and Doris; and one sister, Rita Jean Johnson precede him in death. Those left to honor Neil’s memory are his loving wife of over 50 years, Kathy; children, Donald James Burks and wife, Kristen, David Wayne Burks and wife, Tracy, Dean Curtis Burks and wife, Veronica, and Angela Jean De Leo and husband, Ted; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Elaine Sue Elliott and partner, Lou Basso, Denise Sweet and husband, Dean, Sabrina Buras and husband, Ty, and Spring Buras and partner, Trisha Gala; brother-in-law, Larry Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and other family.

 No services are scheduled at this time. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.