Jackie Lynn Rowan passed away November 25th, 2019 at his home in Rowlett, TX. Jackie was born on May 18th, 1944, to Thomas Rowan and Ethel Chumley Rowan. After graduating Garland High School, Jackie was married to Sharon Anderson.
Jackie honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from January 1966 thru January 1968, spending much of his service time between Chu Lai and Da Nang. Commendations included the National Defense Service Medal, Certificate of Commendation, M14 Rifle Sharpshooter’s Badge, Vietnamese Service Medal, and Vietnamese Campaign Medal.
After his military service, Jackie and Sharon settled in Rowlett, TX where they had two boys, Greg and Jason. Jackie worked in the excavation industry and owned his company, Rowan Ditching Service, until his retirement. He enjoyed pointing out the many homes that he dug as farms turned to neighborhoods across the area.
Jackie was a Carnegie Medal recipient in 1987. After hearing the screams of a mother near one of his job sites, he selflessly entered a burning home by breaking a window and rescued a young baby, moments before the fire reached the child. He recalled that is was the “darkest dark” he’d ever experienced. Jackie loved the yearly photos and updates from the family as the child grew. Jackie was not a man to boast, and the plaque hung conspicuously behind an office door for years.
Jackie was a longtime member of Lakepointe Church Rockwall (and Rowlett before the relocation). He could either be found at an information booth ready to help anyone, or enjoying his morning conversations with his fellow ushers. No doubt with a smile on his face.
Jackie is survived by sons Greg Rowan and Jason Rowan, daughter-in-law Lisa Rowan, grandson Eli Rowan, granddaughter Makenna Rowan, and sisters Tommie Ownby and Donna Akins.
A funeral service will be held at Hurst’s Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville, TX on Saturday, November 30th at 10am. Viewing will be held on Friday, November 29th from 5pm-7pm. 107 N Washington St, Farmersville, TX 75442
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Wounded Warriors Project in memory of Jackie, and in appreciation of all current and former service members.