Wayne D. Rowell

WILMINGTON - Wayne D. Rowell, 89, a resident of East Main Street, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health.

The son of Glenn E. and Bernice S. (McCorrison) Rowell, he was born on the family farm in Tunbridge on May 5, 1925. Following graduation from Rutland High School, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served in the Pacific and European theaters; he was honorably discharged when World War II was officially declared over.

Wayne was married in Randolph on Sept. 3, 1946, to the former Genevieve Rhoades. He began his career as a farmer on the family farm in Tunbridge, operating it for 10 years before becoming a Vermont state game warden. With his new career, he was assigned to southern Vermont, settling in Wilmington. He and Genevieve bought a home and continued raising their family. His career as a game warden extended to over 32 years. He was extremely active in his community serving as the town of Wilmington moderator, member of the Planning Commission, member of the Deerfield Valley Sportsmen's Club, life member of the National Rifle Association, member of the American Legion Post in Brattleboro, past master of Social Lodge F&AM in Wilmington, past district deputy grandmaster #8 and Order of the Eastern Star - Mayflower Chapter. On the state level, he was a member of the bargaining unit of the Vermont State Employees Association and Vermont Fish and Game Board. As a member of the Green Mountain Fly Wheels, he enjoyed working with antique gas engines. He and his wife were avid campers and traveled throughout the United States. He was a member of the Holiday Ramblers Association, National Camping Association and Family Motor Coach Association.

He leaves his wife of 68 years, Genevieve Rowell, of Wilmington; son Richard Rowell and wife Sandra, of Gardendale, Alabama, and their children, David and Michael Rowell; son Steven Rowell and wife Janet, of Brattleboro, and their children, Christopher Rowell and Laura Paice; son Robert Rowell and wife Susan, of Newfane, and their children, Alison Stringham and Flint Rowell; daughter Helen Short and husband Frank, of St. Albans, and their children, Rachael and Lucas Short; daughter Mary O'Brien and husband Joel, of Randolph, and their son, Michael O'Brien; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, John C. Rowell, and sister, Gail Robertson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. at the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home with the Rev. L. Douglas LaPlante officiating; Masonic funeral rites will be held during this time. Burial with military honors will take place in the Riverview Cemetery. Following the cemetery services the family invites everyone to join them for a memorial reception at the Wilmington Baptist Church hall. Friends may call at the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. when the family will be present.

The family asks that flowers be omitted. For those who desire, memorial gifts may be made to the Town of Wilmington Town Nurse Program in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.

To send condolences visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.