Harry Walter Rowles Jr., 91, of Curwensville, passed early Sunday morning June 26, 2011 at the Ridgeview Elder Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Curwensville.
Born Aug. 28, 1919 at Olanta, Knox Township, he was the son of Harry Walter Sr. and Daisy Kathryn (Aughenbaugh) Rowles. Mr. Rowles first was a coal miner before serving in the U S Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theater in Company C, 121st Infantry Reg., 8th Infantry Division, the “Gray Bonnet” He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic conduct on the field of battle. He also was awarded a Purple Heart.
In 1946 he was employed by United Airlines as an A & P Mechanic in New York, and later transferred to Chicago, ILL O’Hara International Airport where he became head mechanic and retired from United Airlines. He was a former member of the Mr. Zion United Methodist Church and was a 1940 graduate of Clearfield Area High School.
Surviving are two sisters Christine Shobert and her husband Donald of DuBois and Barbara Bryant of Florida as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Kathryn Rowles, Ruth Bloom, Natalie Bloom and Thelma Keller and a brother Paul Rowles.
Graveside Memorial Services for Harry W. Rowles Jr. will be held at the Mt. Zion Cemetery at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on June 29 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Emmett Anderson officiating. There will be no public visitation.
The family suggests contributions be made to either the Clearfield Foundation for Health – Hospice P.O. Box 992 Clearfield, PA 16830, the American Cancer Society 26 S. 2nd Street Clearfield, PA 16830, or the Community Care Group of Ridgeview Elder Care 30 4th Avenue Curwensville, PA 16833
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.