Gregory L. ‘Bear’ Rowles, 58, of Frenchville died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 at his home.
He was born Nov. 26, 1954 in Clearfield, the son of the late Marvin L. ‘Tiny’ Sr. and Lavonne ‘Dot’ (Hoover) Rowles.
He retired in 2008 as a records specialist with the Department of Corrections, where he had been employed since 1995. Prior to that, he worked in various industries in Clearfield County.
A graduate of Clearfield Area High School, he was involved with the wrestling and football programs. After graduation, he played semi-professional football with the Pennsylvania Whitetail Bucks.
He had many interests in life, including hunting and fishing, tending his garden and his love for any type of game – board, video or card. He also enjoyed numerous types of music and was an avid history buff. He loved animals and will also be known for ‘always being able to supply a good one-line comment to lighten the mood.’ Above all, he might have been one of the Pittsburgh Steelers biggest fans.
He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Frenchville, a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving in the intelligence unit in Zweiberken, Germany during the Vietnam era.
He’s survived by his wife, Deirdre ‘Dee’ (Billotte) Rowles, whom he wed Oct. 10, 1992 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Frenchville; a sister and three brothers, Valerie Kestler and Michael Rowles, both of Tulsa, Okla., Marvin Rowles Jr. of Clearfield and Mark Rowles of Smithmill; nieces and nephews, TJ and Natalie Rowles, Jon Kestler and Desiree and Danelle Billotte; an aunt, LaRue Valimont and her husband, Joseph of Clearfield; his mother-in-law, Helen Billotte of Frenchville, his brother-in-law, Fred Billotte of Clearfield and numerous cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Perry and Etta (Cline) Rowles and Warren and Lena (Hoover) Hoover and an infant brother, Clifford.
A Mass of Christian burial will be said at 11 a.m. Monday at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Frenchville, with the Rev. David A. Perry Jr. and Father Philip Billotte as celebrants. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Frenchville.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to National Kidney Foundation 130 Seventh St., 1130 Century Building, Pittsburgh or American Cancer Society, 26 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
