Tommie Darnell Rowan

Tommie Darnell RowanDear Friends and Midlanders,On the evening of Saturday, December 1, 2007, our beloved mother, Tommie Darnell Rowan, peacefully passed into the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Born November 14, 1930 in Midland, Texas, Tommie was the oldest child of Juanita and Ed Darnell. Many Midlanders fondly remember Sheriff "Big Ed" Darnell as the sheriff of Midland County for over thirty-five years. Tommie attended Midland public schools and then the University of Texas at Austin where she met the love of her lifea standout Longhorn football player named Richard "Rip" Rowan. Tommie and Richard were married in June 1948, and their union lasted over fifty years until Rip's death in October 2005.As a lifelong Midlander and fourth generation native Texan, Tommie was exceedingly proud of her heritage, her community, and her many friends. Tommie will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, an avid bridge player, and an enthusiastic traveler to all God's creation that she could experience. She especially enjoyed the culture and landscape of Great Britain.Tommie was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Juanita Darnell, and by her husband, J. Richard "Dick" Rowan.Tommie is survived by her four children and their spouses: Randy Rowan and his wife Karen of Los Alamos, N.M.; Mollye Morris and her husband Keith of Plano, Texas; Martha Krenz and her husband Mike of San Antonio, Texas; and Gayle Jones and her husband Steve of Andrews, Texas.Tommie is also survived by her sister, Eddie Juan Echols of Coahoma, Texas and her aunt, Melba Caraway of Roswell, New Mexico. Very dear to Tommie's heart were her niece, Sally Echols Itz of Grapevine, Texas, and her nephew John Echols of Midland. Ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren affectionately remember their grandmother and great-grandmother as "Tom": Josh, Daniel, and Samuel Rowan; Kristin Dottley. Kevin Morris, and Kerry Holmes; Katie, Andy, and Robin Krenz; Mollye Gayle Jones Bates; Austin and Nichole Rowan; Josie, Ed, and Dorothy Rowan; Lauren and Kevin Lee Morris; and Keith and Kate Dottley.Pallbearers will be grandsons, Josh Rowan, Daniel Rowan, Samuel Rowan, Andy Krenz, Kevin Dottley, and Jeff Holmes.Funeral Services have been scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, December 8, 2007 at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas with the Pastor James P. Longstreet officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday, December 7, 2007 at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas or to the charity of one's choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,