Rowland LeMaster

Rowland Douglas LeMaster, "Pop-Pop," of Washington Court House arrived in this world with an unmistakable spark on February 25, 1951, in Portsmouth, OH, one of ten children born to Harry Edgar "Ned" and Hazel Madelline Lowder LeMaster. Growing up in a lively household with his beloved siblings, the LeMaster boys learned early how to find and ruin a Christmas present, be it a pogo stick, a fishing pole or a basketball - some of the many cherished memories from childhood that shaped his humor, resilience and heart.

His career began in Quincy, KY at age 11, selling greeting cards door-to-door. He was so wildly successful that he was reported to be underage. His proud and equally clever father simply stepped in and said, "Fine, then he sells under my name," and with that, a salesman was born. Later, Rowland's talent on the basketball court earned him a scholarship to Lander University in Greenwood, SC where he largely rode the bench. He often joked about that because Rowland could laugh at anything, especially himself.

In 1976, Rowland's beloved Parrett Insurance Agency was entrusted to him by Sam Parrett, a respected and cherished member of the community who took a chance on a blue-eyed Kentucky boy. Rowland showed up to their meeting wearing a dapper green suit, a nod to his South Carolina days and his unmatched style. When Sam told him there were five others interested in the agency, Rowland didn't flinch saying "I don't care about the other offers. What do I need to do to buy this agency?" Sam knew instantly that Rowland was the right man for the job, and Rowland knew he could build a legacy, and he did - one built on hard work, loyalty and love for the clients he spent his life serving.

How do you sum up the life of a legend? Truthfully, you can't. Rowland wasn't meant to be contained in a sentence or story. He lived big, he loved big. He taught his kids to be adventurous, to travel and explore, and to embrace the world with curiosity. He loved trying new foods - sushi before it was trendy, and unique dishes like conch, which he sampled during trips that took him from Hong Kong to Copenhagen and places in between. He taught his kids to be adventurous, travel, explore and embrace the world with curiosity. He was a lifelong golfer, spending time on the course whenever he could and even scoring a hole-in-one at Washington Country Club. He enjoyed the game, the outdoors and the camaraderie it brought.

Rowland was always impeccably dressed - spiffy slacks, monogrammed button-ups, polished shoes and a confidence you couldn't miss. He took pride in how he presented himself, and his style reflected the care, attention, and respect he had for himself and those around him. While he never met a stranger, it wasn't loud or showy; it was simply who he was. He welcomed people easily, naturally, and made them feel seen, important and cared for.

Rowland poured love into his family, friends and community without hesitation. If someone needed help, he gave it. If someone needed support, he offered more than they expected. Rowland supported countless charities, mostly quietly, always generously. Whether the Masonic lodge, the Elks Club or the Shriners Hospital, he committed fully. One of his proudest community traditions was the 'Tis the Season breakfast, an event he started in 1980, and poured his heart into every year since - bringing people together, raising money and spreading joy during the holidays.

Giving back wasn't something he did occasionally; it was simply woven into who he was. His lasting legacy includes iconic community projects like the new Adena Fayette Medical Center set to open in 2027, in the close-knit town he called home for fifty years, Washington Court House, OH.

But Rowland's greatest joy - his truest legacy - was being Pop-Pop. As a baby whisperer and a natural with kids, nothing lit him up more than the sight of his grandkids. Pop-Pop made every day special - he made a point to. Whether it was candy tucked into his pockets, surprise ice cream runs, quietly gifting money and treats to any child nearby, or simply showing up with that grin that made the whole room lighter, he created magic in the ordinary. His grandkids will forever remember his loving refrain: "Pop-Pop loves you!"

He will be adored, missed and treasured by his three children, Emily O'Brien (Eric) of Atlanta, GA, Alison Langridge (Sam) of Vancouver, BC, and Patrick LeMaster (Emily) of Savannah, GA; their mother, Debby; his beloved grandchildren, Ellis, Belle, Chapman, Elsie, Winnie, Byrdie (his "little redhead"), Hank and Phoebe; his nephew and "partner-in-crime" Todd; countless nieces and nephews, many of whom have said that "Uncle Row Row" was a favorite; his trusted right hand, Vicki Helsel; his work family, especially Sharon Summers Ruth who worked alongside him for 40 years, and his siblings, Ron, Sue, Mike, Phil, Tony, Joe and Terry. Rowland was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Sterling, and a baby sister, Constance Joy.

Rowland passed away from natural causes on December 4, 2025, having lived exactly the life he wanted - fearlessly, generously, joyfully. The "blue ribbon boy" is now home with his parents, but his children and grandkids will carry him in their hearts forever, looking for him in every crowded airport, remembering him in every sweet treat, every laugh, every moment of fun. As Frank Sinatra famously sang "I did it my way" - and Rowland certainly did.

The funeral will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Washington Court House, Ohio. He will be laid to rest, with his parents, in a private ceremony in the Sun Set Cemetery in Quincy, KY.

A visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, with a Masonic service and Elk's service immediately following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Rowland by supporting the Shriner's Children's Ohio Hospital, c/o the Washington Shrine Club, P.O. Box 164, Washington Court House, Ohio or the Fayette Regional Human Society, 4 Commercial Drive, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com