Don Harold Rowlett

Don Harold Rowlett, 89, a member of the "Greatest Generation" passed peacefully away on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 and is now at home with his Lord. Don was born on June 18, 1926 in Ewing, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Rutha Rowlett; a brother and sister, who died just after birth; son-in–law, Joel Booth.

He is survived by the love of his life, Georgia Jenkins Rowlett; loving daughter, Connie Rowlett Booth of Glen Allen, Virginia; three grandchildren, Jennifer Booth Buchanan and her husband, David, Kimberly Booth, all of Glen Allen, and Landon Booth of Virginia Beach; four great-grandchildren, Joelyn Booth, Derek Rowlett Booth, Tucker and Carson Joel Buchanan, all of Glen Allen.

Don became a Christian and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Ewing, Virginia. He lived in Ewing until he was drafted out of high school at the age of 17. He served in the Navy during World War II on the island of Okinawa. On May 25, he was discharged from Camp Perry and rode a train all night to come home. The next day, he went to the Baccalaureate Service at his high school where he met Georgia Jenkins. They had their first date on May 28, 1946. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 1949. Don and Georgia celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past year. The Rowletts moved to Morristown in 1961, and Don was ordained a deacon at Buffalo Trail Baptist Church in 1962. He loved his church and his Sunday school class. Don was a gentle and kind man who loved the Lord, his family, and his many friends. He enjoyed going on trips, having friends in his home to visit, and telling stories about his time in the Navy Seabees.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Buffalo Trail Baptist Church in Morristown. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Keith Mowery, the Rev. Patrick Alexander and the Rev. James Williams officiating. Military honors will be conducted Thursday, Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. in the Veterans Garden at Hamblen Memory Gardens with the Rev. Jason Ivy officiating. The family invites veterans who wish to honor an old sailor to join them at the gravesite, and "Hear the whisper of a generation saying goodbye…"

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Buffalo Trail Baptist Church "Lighting the Way" Fund, 1829 Sherwood Drive, Morristown, TN 37814-4325.

Arrangements by Allen Funeral Home, Morristown.


This obituary was originally published in the Citizen Tribune.