Louis Neal Rowland's Obituary
Louis Neal Rowland, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 78 years old. He was born August 6, 1947, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Oliver Louis Rowland, Jr. and Mary Imogene (Sullivan) Rowland. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father William Clarke.
Louis graduated from Forrest City High School in 1965, and was a proud Boy Scout where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, was a proud member Sigma Pi fraternity and the ROTC. He graduated from the University of Houston in 1980 with a Masters of Business Administration. Later in life he attended the University of Arkansas again, graduating with a Masters of Accountancy (2004) and Agricultural Economics (2005), and joining the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. Louis loved staying connected with his fraternity brothers, family, and grandkids, and his Hill 4-11 brothers. He was an avid Razorback fan and enjoyed attending all the games with his fraternity brothers.
Upon completion of his bachelor's degree and ROTC training he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Mr. Rowland’s military education included his graduation from the US Army Infantry School in 1970. He graduated from the Fort Jackson Commander School in 1970, and was trained at Fort Sherman in the Panama Canal Zone in Jungle Operations in 1971. He served in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1072, and when he arrived in Vietnam, he was promoted to First Lieutenant.
He married Jan Hankins in 1973 (later divorced) and in 1977, had their only son, Greg. Louis was a proud and active member of the Hill 4-11 Fire Base Association, and would attend the reunions and gatherings. He worked for Russell Brown in Little Rock, later had his own firm in Houston, TX. For a time, he was owner of Rowland Ranch in Brenham, TX, then owner of Summersweet in Forrest City, AR. He was an avid Second Amendment supporter. Later in life, he moved back to Fayetteville, AR where he connected with old friends. He was a cancer survivor and passed away after battling progressive lung disease. Most of all, he loved his grandkids. He would constantly keep up with their activities and life events. While living in Houston, he loved regular visits and lunches with his mom and sister. The most important job to him was being a dad, he was the best dad in the world, and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (specifically for those who directly engage the enemy in ground combat; it is a prestigious award that recognizes the sacrifices and bravery of infantry soldiers who face the enemy directly in combat situations.), Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal (awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for heroic service, or meritorious service in a combat zone.), Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device (the “60 Device” on the Vietnam Campaign Medal serves as a historical marker for military service during a significant period of the Vietnam War. It symbolizes the commitment and sacrifices made by those who served, even as the conflicts conclusion remains a complex and unresolved chapter in history).
Louis is survived by his son Gregory Louis Rowland and wife Christy of Issaquah, Washington; grandchildren Jarod, Justin, Jacob, and Jenna Rowland; sister Billie Jean McCallum and Dale of Magnolia, Texas; Nephew Alan McCallum and Jenna Westrup; cousins Richard ‘Rick’ Sullivan, Roger Sullivan, and Charlotte Sullivan; and many other friends, family, and loved ones.
A Visitation will be held at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville, Arkansas Thursday, December 4, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with Graveside Service to follow with Military Honors at 11:30 AM at Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.
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