Florene Rowan

Florene Miller Rowan, 91, passed away in Abilene, Texas, Tuesday, August 22, 2017.  A celebration of her life will be shared at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Southwest Park Baptist Church.    Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 25, 2017 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.  She will be laid to rest at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Florene Miller Rowan was born November 22, 1925, in Donie, Texas to Herman Lee Miller and May Frances Farris.

“Flo” met the love of her life, Henry B. “Pat” Rowan while attending a one-room schoolhouse in Groesbeck, Texas.  There Pat would display his affection by dipping Flo’s pigtails into an inkwell.  That was only the beginning.

Pat and Flo were married on July 5, 1942, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, while Sergeant Henry Rowan was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas during WWII.

After serving in the U.S. Army, and after working in several cities, they settled in Abilene where they raised their family.

Florene is lovingly remembered for her generous spirit, amazing chocolate pies, and remarkable talents as a seamstress.  She was also an approved seamstress, fashioning elaborate gowns including those for the Tyler Rose Festival Queen and attendants.  She blessed so many people by placing her heart and soul into creating dresses, beautiful wedding gowns and wedding party attire.  She made theatrical costumes, cheerleading and dance costumes as well.

Flo hosted many weddings, baby showers, and receptions.  She loved teaching others to play games such as chicken foot, Mexican train and “42”.  Her interests included her family, gardening, sewing and baking.

She was an active member of Southwest Park Baptist Church, and also a member of a local ladies’ supper club.

This grand lady is survived by her 3 children, Doug Rowan of Midland, TX, Jan (Ronnie) Wiggins of Abilene, TX, and Henry B. “Rusty” (Doni) Rowan of Burleson, TX.  She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Todd (Amber) Rowan, Kristi Rowan, John (Stacy) Wiggins, Kari (Cheyenne) Couret and Julie (Richard) Wright, and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and May Miller, as well as her 5 brothers, Alton Miller, Herman Miller, Clenon Miller, Bill Miller and Claud Miller.

Officiating will be Rev. Mike Woodard and Rev. Burtis Williams.  Pallbearers will be Rick Daffron, Cecil Meadows, Cody Meadows, Gary Miller, Dennis Rowan and Joe Stalls.

The family would like to extend a gracious thank you to the nurses and staff of Wisteria Place and Hospice of the Big Country for their loving care of Mother.  Donations may be sent in honor of Florene Rowan to Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th, Abilene, Texas 79605; or to your favorite charity.