Larry Rowland

Larry Eugene Rowland passed away Sunday, August 29, 2021 in Durango, CO. He was 78 years old.

Larry was born October 6, 1942 to Albert and Doris (Jones) Rowland in Wichita, KS. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Japan from late 1960 to May, 1964. Upon his return from active duty, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Henderson in Redwood City, CA in 1965 and later welcomed their son, Greg in 1971.The family permanently settled in Greeley in 1978. Larry spent most of his career in the sales industry selling everything from the first car cellular radios to sporting goods to hardware.

In his earlier years, Larry enjoyed outdoor activities and could usually be found on a tennis court or out on a lake fishing. More recently, Larry was an avid reader of western novels, most notably Louis L'Amour, a social card player, and a dedicated Colorado professional sports teams fan. Following his wife's passing in May, 2020, he moved to Durango to be closer to his son's family and was able to attend many of his granddaughter's school and sporting events. Lately, he could be seen exploring town on the river trail and through neighborhoods on his new blue electric scooter. Larry always had a smile and a wave for everyone and was a truly sweet and gentle soul.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Brady, granddaughters Brett, Kyle and Mason, and sisters, Sherri Kelm and Rynthia (Jerry) Kohlbrecher. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon.

A joint graveside service will be held for Larry and Sharon Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at Greenmount Cemetery.

In honor of Sharon Rowland and their joint services at Greenmount Cemetery, the family would like to include Sharon's obituary as well:

Sharon S. Rowland passed away on May 11, 2020, following a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 77.

Sharon was born on Aug. 18, 1942, to Fred and Sylvia Henderson in Breckenridge, Mich. She was the first in her family to attend college at Fort Hays State where she earned a bachelors degree in home economics. She began a successful 14-year teaching career, which took her to Lamar, Colo. as well as San Jose, Calif.

She married her high school sweetheart Larry Rowland in 1965, and later welcomed their son, Greg in 1971. The family permanently settled in Greeley in 1978 and Sharon began her second career in home decor design/retail working at Montgomery Ward, Sears and Dale’s Carpet One.

Sharon was softhearted, creative, strong willed, and dedicated, protective, adventurous and brave. She adored spending time with her three granddaughters and was always ready with sewing, cooking or art projects. She accepted any challenge head on which was never more evident than during her last few months.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Larry; son and daughter in-law, Greg and Brady; and granddaughters, Brett, Kyle and Mason; siblings, Carol Neal, William Henderson and Steve Henderson.