Gavin M. Rowley, Sr. 32 of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Island, formerly of Jacksonville, FL and Keokuk, IA passed away Friday, May 24, 2024.
He was born March 9, 1992 in Keokuk, IA the son of John A. Rowley and Teresa Skinner. Gavin graduated from Woodward Academy in Woodward, IA with the class of 2008.
Gavin had been employed as a carpenter and also a framer. By experience working with wood he enjoyed creating and building things. His work is in many homes in Jacksonville and St. Thomas. He loved playing his guitar, frisbee golf, Hacky Sac and Pokemon. He enjoyed spending time outdoors in the sun, sand and surf, just about anything outdoors. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and cooking. His tan was proof. He never knew a stranger. Gavin had a hard life and lived hard. He didn’t have much, but he didn’t mind. He wouldn’t leave a friend behind and he was a friend to those who loved him. His greatest joy was his four children. He spoke of them every day and the love for his mother. He was a believer and as a kid, he always wanted to be the red Power Ranger.
Gavin is survived by his mother and step-father, Terri and Kurtus Miller of Keokuk, his siblings, Kenneth “Duke” Rowley (Dani), Stephanie Miller of Keokuk and Justin Rowley of St. Louis, MO, four children, Hayden Rowley of Keokuk, Gavin Rowley, Jr. and Kenneth M. Rowley both of Marion, OH and bonus daughter, Ariana Jordan of Marion, OH, his grandparents, Peggy Skinner of Keokuk and Don and Judy Skinner of Montrose, IA and Paul and Joyce Miller of Warsaw, IL. He is also survived by his four bonus sisters, Kristina Finley (Darren) of Silvis, IL, Christina Kramer (Darec) Kayla Miller and Kelsy Miller all of Warsaw, IL, several aunts and uncles including Pastors Donnie Skinner (Angie) of Hamilton, IL, Kimberly Farias of Keokuk, Rick Rowley (Denise) of Florissant, MO, Chris Campbell (Kenny) of St. Louis, MO, Pastor Bob “Floyd” Payne (Mary) of Keokuk and Suzan Payne of Keokuk, Gary Payne (Trish) of Keokuk, Vicki Pezley (Denis) of Palmyra, MO, Leona Husband (Larry) of Mendota, IL, and Keith and Sally Miller. cousins, Scott, Sophia and Kory Skinner of Hamilton, IL, Ashylin (Dillon) Morgan of Keokuk, Olivia (Luke) Skinner of Denver, CO, Jessica (Andrew) Nye of Keokuk, Colby (Nicki) Tate of Alexandria, MO, Jared Jobe of Keokuk and Matt, Amy, Elizabeth, Jayson and Shawn of St. Louis, MO and godparents, Dan (Kim) Bell and Pastor Michael (Jennifer) Bell all of Keokuk.
He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Rowley, grandparents, Frank and Mary Rowley, Della Payne, Floyd Payne, Helen Nye, and George “Jack” Hall, aunts and uncles, Patsy Bell, Ron Payne, Larry and Susie Payne and cousins, Larry Michael, Kaley, Jeffery, RJ Payne and Ricky Rowley.
Come help us celebrate the life of Gavin Michael Rowley, Sr. on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the New Beginnings Church, 2244 McKinley Ave, Keokuk. with Pastor Donnie Skinner and Pastor Michael Bell officiating.
If you have a memory of Gavin, please write it down to share with his children.
Memorials may be made to the family.
The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com
