E. Hayes Rowan, 87, of Madill, Okla., passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Olimpia’s Senior Care Center in Willis, Texas. He was born on August 31, 1935, in Haskell County, Texas to the late Thomas Lewis Rowan and Evelyn Elizabeth Colvin Rowan Gill.
Hayes was raised in Haskell County and graduated from Rule High School in 1955. He later attended Texas Tech University before joining the Army, serving from 1958 to 1964.
Hayes married Betty LaJoyce Bond on December 28, 1957, in Midland, Texas and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2022. He worked as a machinist and computer tech. for NCR Corp. and also owned a small business, Plainview Porta Sign, in Plainview, Texas. He was a member of the Bowling league in Plainview, Texas, and a member of Experimental Aircraft Association where he received his pilot’s license.
Hayes was a member of the First Baptist Church in Madill, Deacon at the Parkview Baptist, and First Baptist Church of Plainview. He was an avid John Wayne fan and loved watching old western movies.Hayes also enjoyed woodworking, gardening, raising horses and livestock. And loved old classic cars.
Hayes was preceded in death by his parents; wife; two brothers, M. D. and John H. Rowan; one sister, Alice Glenn; three brothers-in-law, Grady Glenn, James Cardin and Tommy Mayes; two sisters-in-law, Fran Cardin and June Rowan and one son in-law, Bill Williamson.
Hayes is survived by his children, Sherri Williamson of Huntsville, Texas, Sheila Dempsey and husband Gary of Madill,Okla.,KristiWaltersandhusbandPhilipofElwood, Kans.; 10 grandchildren, Nathan Reeves, Garrett Reeves, Sarah Dempsey, Allison Dempsey, Rebekah Dempsey, Truett Walters, Ethan Walters, Chase Walters, Brandon Williamson, Justin Williamson; six great grandchildren, Carsen Walters, Ruby Reeves, Hazel Reeves, Kylen Williamson, Mia Williamson, Jetson Reeves; brother, Terry L. Rowan and wife Mary Ellen of College Station, Texas; sisters-in-laws, Barbara Rowan of Goodyear, Ariz. and Carolyn Mayes of Beard, Texas.
FuneralServicewasheldat 2:00p.m.Saturday,May27, 2023, at Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. Randy Kendrix officiated the service. Interment was 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Woodberry-Forest Cemetery in Madill, Okla. Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.