Rex Rowland

Rex Dean Rowland, Sr. of Midland, passed away in his home on January 4, 2017 at the age of 91. Rex was born in Paris, Texas on March 7, 1925 to Lanis and Eudell Rowland.  He was raised in Canton, Texas with his parents and four sisters.  Being the only boy, he was truly adored and respected by his family.  After graduating from Waxahachie High School in Waxahachie, Texas, Rex attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.  In 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Sergeant.  His World War II service was in the Philippines and New Guinea and he was awarded a 3 Star Ribbon and a SW Pacific Ribbon for his service to his country.After his discharge from the Army, Rex graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. He worked in New Mexico for several years, then moved to Midland, Texas to further his career in the oil and gas industry.  There he met Patsy Jean LaFontaine and married her on his birthday, March 7, 1964.  They raised two sons together in Midland.  Rex formed Adelante Petroleum Oil & Gas in 1991.  It was here he formed many life-long relationships with his employees who loved him like a father.  He went on to join Rising Star Energy and as a dedicated professional landman, Rex continued working until November of 2016.Always the consummate sports fan, Rex was a loyal Longhorn for many years, even painting his front door burnt orange when UT beat OU. He only switched his allegiance over to Texas Tech University’s red and black for his grandchildren in later years.  He refereed many baseball, basketball and football games during his lifetime.  He also took a lot of pride in all the activities of his children and grandchildren and became an avid supporter of Midland High Bulldog Football.  Even after his grandchildren graduated, he continued to attend Booster Club Meetings, take donuts to the coaches and maintained his season tickets.  In fact, he seldom missed a home game.Exercise was always a big part of his life, and he hoped to pass the legacy of treating your body as a temple on to his family. He was a long time member of Midland Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf and card games with his close friends.  Rex never met a person who did not become his friend and he will be missed by many.Rex was a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Midland, VFW, AAPL, MCC, MHS Football Booster Club, several other oil and gas related associations and was also a member of The Masonic Lodge.Rex is survived by his two sons, Kyle Rowland of Eastland, TX and Rex Rowland, Jr., of San Francisco, CA. He is survived by granddaughter Taylor Rowland, grandson Ryan Rowland and wife Heather, great-grandchildren Rhett and Parker Rowland, and daughter-in-law Susan Rowland, all of Fort Worth, TX.  He is also survived by one sister, June Groves of Pauls Valley, OK and numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.  Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Lanis and Eudell Rowland, wife Pat Rowland, and sisters Trixie Rowland, Dixie Harris, Margaret Felty and Pam Clyburn.Honorary Pallbearers include his dear friends Tom Moore, Sid Lindley, Joe Liberty, Ted Collins, Bob Jones, Sherry Coskrey, Jim Whitsitt, Mike Grimm, Jim Massey and Hortencia Hernandez.Funeral Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Midland on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00pm. Graveside services will be on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 10:00am at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton, Texas.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to ASPCA, www.aspca.org (or any animal shelter) American Heart Association at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,