Leo Dale Rowland, Sr.

Leo Dale Rowland, Sr., age 80, of Ionia, passed away July 13, 2020. He was born in Edmore, Michigan, the son of Arthur and Vera (Huckleberry) Rowland. After graduating from Carson City High School, Leo joined the Army National Guard. Shortly after being discharged from the Guard Leo enrolled in Calvin College where he studied Law Enforcement. Leo began his career with the City of Ionia Department of Public Safety, then he moved onto the City of Lowell, finally settling at the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office until his retirement. Leo was proud to serve his community and displayed professionalism to those he came in contact with. He was also a devoted volunteer at Ionia County DHS for many years. Leo will be remembered for the love he had for his family, especially his mother. Leo always enjoyed a good cup of coffee and a conversation about policing policy. He was willing to lend a hand and a listening ear to all. Leo always made sure that everyone had what they needed, whether it be a ride, tank of gas, or an extra dollar. He loved to pass the time doodling on a scrap piece of paper or a canvas, spending time in his yard, gardening with his wife, Frances, and going to the casino at a moment’s notice.

Preceding Leo in death are his parents; daughter, Rebecca Rowland; granddaughter, Shelly Rowland; great-grandson, Knox Hosford; in-laws, Jorge and Maria Cardenas; and brother-in-law, Bud Barnes. Leo married his wife, Frances (Cardenas) on November 24, 1977 and she survives him. Also surviving are his children, Kimberly Rowland of Indiana, Kevin Rowland of Houston, Texas, and Leo (Olivia) Rowland, Jr. of Ionia; step-children, Ricardo (Helen) Rocha of Lake Odessa, Ruby (Jim) Beebe of Lake Odessa, Raul (Michelle) Rocha of Ionia and Rosalinda (Joseph) Hufnagel of Ionia; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and sister, Arlene Barnes.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Oscar Londano and Deacon Zenon Cardenas at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2020 at S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ionia. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5-8 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich Street, Ionia. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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