Obituary published on Legacy.com by Watkins Heritage Chapel - Kansas City on Oct. 1, 2025.
Roger David Rowan was born on March 14, 1965, in
Kansas City, Missouri, to William Lee "Bill" Rowan and Lillie Mae Rodgers Rowan.
Roger departed this life June 26, 2025, in
Kansas City, Mo.
Lillie would recall that Roger was one of the loudest babies in the nursery and she could hear his distinct cry from her hospital bed. Although loud as an infant, Roger grew to be a quiet, reserved child. When Lillie began to suspect that Roger's reticent demeanor may be a sign of challenges ahead, she and Bill enrolled Roger in speech therapy and other modalities offered at Children's Mercy Hospital to develop his language and intellectual abilities.
While a toddler, Roger developed a love of cars that remained with him throughout adulthood. He enjoyed all cars, but the Ford Mustang became his favorite. Roger had car books and magazines that he studied intently. He had the remarkable ability to name the year, make, and model of any vehicle on the street with high accuracy.
The Rowan Family became members of Parkway Baptist Church in the early 1970's. At Parkway, Roger was active in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Cub Scouts, and other youth activities. It was at Parkway that Roger accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at 12 years of age.
Due to Roger's unique educational needs, he attended several schools, from Pinkerton Elementary, Jean Davis School, and R.J. Delano School. Roger attended Southeast High School, where he was a member of the Cross-Country Track Team. Roger received his High School Diploma from Southeast High School in 1983.
In March 1984, Roger became an employee of the United States Postal Service maintenance department, as a custodian. Roger was a dedicated employee, serving his early U.S.P.S. career at the Hickman Mills and Southeast Stations. In 2011, Roger was transferred to the U.S.P.S. Administrative Office on Persing Road. Throughout his postal career, Roger found love, acceptance, and friendships to appreciate and enjoy. Roger retired from the Postal Service on April 30, 2025. During his brief retirement, Roger spent his time "relaxing", taking walks at the mall, and catching a movie or two.
Roger is preceded in death by his father, William L. Rowan, mother, Lillie M. Rowan, and half-brother, William "Billy Bones" Rowan. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Dianne Rowan (
Kansas City, Missouri) and a host of Aunts, Uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, 11 am First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Kansas 500 Nebraska Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 66101. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery,
Kansas City, Mo., Services conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.
Family request in lieu of flowers donation in Roger Rowan memory to The Whole Person 3710 Main St.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111 thewholeperson.org
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mr. Roger, please visit our Tree Store.