Tom Rowlson, 78

Russell Thomas “ Tom” Rowlson, age 78, of Burr Oak, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, at his home. Tom was born Feb. 15, 1936, a son of Harry and Della (Cosgrove) Rowlson in Augusta. He graduated from Climax-Scotts High School with the class of 1954.

On May 14, 1988, Tom married Harriett (Van Wormer) English in Sherwood. He worked as a truck driver, retiring from Alvan Motor Freight in 1995. Tom was a past member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge #103 in Scotts and the Teamsters Local #7 in Kalamazoo. He enjoyed working with horses, watching sports, going to horse pulls and, most of all, Tom was a proud fan of the Climax-Scotts football team.

He is survived by his wife, Harriett Rowlson of Burr Oak; children Diane (Harold) Followell of Mattawan, Kevin (Ekhlass “Ecky”) Rowlson of Amman, Jordan and Brenda Woodard of Battle Creek; stepchildren Charles J. English III of Stanton, Ohio, and Shirley English of Kenosha, Wis.; grandchildren Charles J. English IV, Jalen Woodard and Gage Woodard; two sisters and two brothers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Zach English; two brothers; and five sisters.

Relatives and friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. Funeral services celebrating the life of Tom Rowlson will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, at the funeral home, withMr. Kevin Langs officiating. Internment will follow at South Colon Cemetery in Colon Township.

If desired, the family suggests memorials be made in memory of Tom to Colon Rescue Squad, Colon Baptist Church or the Climax-Scotts football program. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.