Gary L. Rowles, Sr., 70, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, left his earthly home at 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at his home in Cross Keys, and was welcomed into the gates of Heaven by his Lord and Savior.
Born on August 10, 1946 in Lewistown, Mifflin County he was a son of the late Earl L. and Virginia (Donaldson) Rowles. On April 3, 1965 he married his first wife, Marlene (Kirk) Rowles, who preceded him in death on January 10, 1991 after nearly 26 years of happy marriage; then on June 21, 1991 he married his surviving wife, Pastor Judy D. (Burdge) Rowles, with whom he was blessed to share more than 26 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Gary L. Rowles, Jr. and his wife Crystal, of Winber, Kimberly D. Jones and her husband Richard, of Elliottsburg, , Tammy W. Hutchinson and her husband Larry, of Honey Grove; sisters, Barbara Murphy and her husband Stanley, of Cross Keys, Connie Merklin and her husband Alan, of Chambersburg; 10 precious grandchildren, Darren Rowles, Ambra Rowles, Karissa Jones, Rylee Jones, Dakota Hutchinson, Austin Hutchinson, Heath Hutchinson, Whitney Harvey, Hunter Harvey and Heidi Harvey; also he leaves behind, his first adorable great granddaughter, Bristol Johnson.
A son, in infancy, Brian Keith Rowles, a son, Richard R. “Bozey” Harvey; a brother, Dale Rowles and a sister, Helen Richardson, preceded him in death.
Mr. Rowles was a 1964 graduate of Juniata Joint High School, Mifflintown and retired from the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 158, Harrisburg.
His memberships included, the Village Lighthouse Chapel, Blairs Mills, where he served as a board member, Clerk, and Treasurer. He was also a member of the Cross Keys Hunting Club.
Gary loved hunting, fishing, trapping, and mounting deer antlers. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Steelers fan; however, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 from the Village Lighthouse Chapel, Blairs Mills with his wife, Pastor Judy D. Rowles and his son Gary L. Rowles, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in the Upper Tuscarora Cemetery, Waterloo.
A viewing will be held from 12 noon until the time of service, Wednesday, at the Church.
For those that wish, memorial contributions in Mr. Rowles’ memory may be made to the Village Lighthouse Chapel, 16738 Shade Valley Road, Blairs Mills, PA 17213.

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