1925 – 2003

FARMINGTON – Ronald Lavoy Rowles, 77, of Fairbanks, died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, June 1.

He was born Aug. 16, 1925, in Woodland, Pa., a son of Raymon Lavoy and Lillian Iolene (Shoff) Rowles.

He graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and joined the United States Navy in 1943 at age 17. He served aboard the Rough Rider (C-36253) in Boothbay Harbor.

On July 11, 1945, he married Gloria Black of Boothbay. He worked as a ship’s rigger and a commercial fisherman before working as a manager of Reny’s Department Store in Farmington for 35 years. He enjoyed working part time at Bass Shoe in Wilton after his retirement from Reny’s.

He was an avid fisherman, golfer and cribbage player. He also enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, bowling, shooting pool and was an amateur radio operator NIGZG.

He was active with the American Legion, Roderick Crosby Post #28 in Farmington, and was a member of the South Bristol Anchor Masonic Lodge #58.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gloria; two sons, Larry and his wife Sharon of Waterboro, and Darryl and his wife Michele of Brewer; five grandchildren, Scott Rowles and his wife Rosemary of West Gardiner, Jason Rowles of South Portland, Kellee Rowles of South Portland, Jessica Rowles of Herman, and Michael Rowles of Brewer; one great-grandson, Cameron Rowles of West Gardiner; two brothers, Raymond and his wife Dorothy of Uniontown, Ohio, and Glen and his wife Barbara of Massillon, Ohio; one sister, “Pat” Clemens and her husband Jerry of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

He was predeceased by his parents; and one grandson, Stephen Rowles.