ROWELL William Darden Rowell, a lifelong resident of Greensville County and Emporia, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2004. Born on Jury 26, 1918, he was the youngest son of the late Thomas Joseph Rowell and Lucy Turner Rowell. He was also predeceased by his wife, Nellie Newsome Rowell; and an infant son. Bill, as he was commonly known, farmed many years before becoming a corrections officer at Southampton Correctional Farm, from which he retired. A lifelong member of St Andrews United Methodist Church, he attended faithfully and served in many capacities until hampered by declining health. He also proudly served in World War II as a member of the fabled 116th Infantry of the 29th Division. Landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day with Company M, he crossed France, Holland, and into Germany until V-Day. He was awarded several service commendations including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. He is survived by a son, William D. Rowell Jr.; daughter-in-law, Laura S. Rowell; two granddaughters, Betsy R. Matthews and Kim Rowell; and five great-grandchUdren. Additionally, he u survived by his wife of 39 years, Mildred Johnson Rowell; stepson, Joseph M. Godfrey and wife, Carolyn; their children, Cathy and Joey; and two grandchildren; also, stepson, Jesse R. Godfrey and wife, Sheila; children, Jessica and Travis; and one granddaughter. The family will receive friends 7 to 8:30 pjn. Monday, July 5, 2004 at Owen Funeral Home, Jarratt, Virginia, where services honoring his life will be held 11 ajn. Tuesday, July 6, 2004. Interment with military honors will follow at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. Richmond, Virginia Richmond Times-Dispatch 02 Jul, 2004 Page B7 Obituary for William Darden ROWELL ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Narrative Summary of the Obituary William Darden Rowell, a lifelong resident of Greensville County and Emporia, passed away on 1 July 2004. Born on 26 July 1918, he was a farmer, corrections officer, and World War II veteran. ### Narrative Summary of Funeral Services Services honoring his life were held on 6 July 2004. He was interred with military honors at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. ## The Edited Obituary William Darden Rowell, a lifelong resident of Greensville County and Emporia, passed away on Thursday, 1 July 2004. Born on 26 July 1918, he was the youngest son of the late Thomas Joseph Rowell and Lucy Turner Rowell. He was also predeceased by his wife, Nellie Newsome Rowell; and an infant son. Bill, as he was commonly known, farmed many years before becoming a corrections officer at Southampton Correctional Farm, from which he retired. A lifelong member of St Andrews United Methodist Church, he attended faithfully and served in many capacities until hampered by declining health. He also proudly served in World War II as a member of the fabled 116th Infantry of the 29th Division. Landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day with Company M, he crossed France, Holland, and into Germany until V-Day. He was awarded several service commendations including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. He is survived by a son, William D. Rowell Jr.; daughter-in-law, Laura S. Rowell; two granddaughters, Betsy R. Matthews and Kim Rowell; and five great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mildred Johnson Rowell; stepson, Joseph M. Godfrey and wife, Carolyn; their children, Cathy and Joey; and two grandchildren; also, stepson, Jesse R. Godfrey and wife, Sheila; children, Jessica and Travis; and one granddaughter. The family received friends on Monday, 5 July 2004, at Owen Funeral Home, Jarratt, Virginia, where services honoring his life were held on Tuesday, 6 July 2004. Interment with military honors followed at Greensville Memorial Cemetery. ### Vital Statistics Summary | Name | William Darden Rowell | |---------|----------------------------------------------| | Age | 86 years | | Birth | 26 July 1918; Greensville County and Emporia | | Death | 1 July 2004; Greensville County and Emporia | ### Table of Relationships | Name | Relationship | Residence | |-------------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------| | William Darden Rowell | Decedent | Greensville County and Emporia | | Nellie Newsome Rowell | Predeceased Spouse | --- | | Thomas Joseph Rowell | Parent | --- | | Lucy Turner Rowell | Parent | --- | | William D. Rowell Jr. | Child | Unknown | | Laura S. Rowell | Daughter-in-law | Unknown | | Betsy R. Matthews | Grandchild | Unknown | | Kim Rowell | Grandchild | Unknown | | Mildred Johnson Rowell | Spouse | Greensville County and Emporia | | Joseph M. Godfrey | Stepson | Unknown | | Carolyn Godfrey | Spouse of Stepson | Unknown | | Cathy Godfrey | Step-grandchild | Unknown | | Joey Godfrey | Step-grandchild | Unknown | | Jesse R. Godfrey | Stepson | Unknown | | Sheila Godfrey | Spouse of Stepson | Unknown | | Jessica Godfrey | Step-grandchild | Unknown | | Travis Godfrey | Step-grandchild | Unknown | | Infant son | Predeceased Child | --- | ## Other Relevant Information 1. William Darden Rowell was a lifelong resident of Greensville County and Emporia. 2. He was the youngest son of the late Thomas Joseph Rowell and Lucy Turner Rowell. 3. He was a farmer for many years before becoming a corrections officer at Southampton Correctional Farm, from which he retired. 4. He was a lifelong member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, where he attended faithfully and served in many capacities until his declining health. 5. He proudly served in World War II as a member of the 116th Infantry of the 29th Division, landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day with Company M and crossing France, Holland, and into Germany until V-Day. 6. He was awarded several service commendations, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor.