Lillian Crittenden Rowan

She was the only child of Eugene Wilkerson Crittenden of Frankfurt, Kentucky and Ethel Stuart Crittenden of Cincinnati, Ohio. Lillian was born in Houston on the 19th of September 1930. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1948, after which she attended the University of Texas, where she was a reporter and copyreader for the Daily Texan. After transferring to the University of Houston (U of H), Lillian graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. She went to work at U of H as the Assistant Dean of Women.

Lillian married Robert “Bob” Livingston Rowan, Jr. on the 1st of August 1959, and they enjoyed 61 wonderful years together. They were both very active and loved to travel, whether it was a tennis trip to the T-Bar-M, or frequent golf trips with friends from the Houston Country Club. They also took annual trips to Colorado with close friends, and sailed on cruises all over the world.

Lillian was a longtime member of St. John the Divine church. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her bible study groups, as well as with her antique study group and her bridge group. She held numerous leadership positions with women’s groups at the Houston Country Club, including president of the Women’s Golf Association.

In addition to raising two children and being a housewife, Lillian worked for many years as Secretary and Treasurer at R. L. Rowan & Associates, the company that Bob built. Among her many accomplishments there, she automated the payroll and personnel procedures. Lillian was a true partner and supporter of Bob’s business, and will be fondly remembered for her style, grace, and beautiful smile.

Lillian is preceded in death by her parents, as well as her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Cynthia Rowan Taylor, Julie Rowan Murray, and John A. Murray.

Lillian is survived by her husband Bob; her daughter, Leslie Rowan Duncan, together with husband, Charles W. Duncan, III of Houston, and their children, Sarah Worthington Duncan of Los Angeles and Leslie Anne “Annie” Duncan of Houston; she also leaves her son, Charles Louis Rowan of Houston. Among other relatives are her nieces, Antoinette “Nanette” Harwood Taylor and Dabney Elizabeth “Elyse” Taylor of San Miguel de Allende, Cynthia Lee Taylor of Houston, and her nephews John A. Murray, III and wife, Mai, of Lubbock, and Dean Rowan Murray, his wife Susan, and their children Emily and Andrew of Austin.

The family would like to acknowledge the love and devotion of longtime employee Doris Montoya.

The family will gather for a private memorial service that is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 21st of December at the Church of St. John the Divine. Guests are invited to view the livestream of the service by selecting “Join Livestream” icon in the service information below.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to The Christian Community Service Center, by visiting (ccschouston.org) or by mail at 3230 Mercer St., Houston, TX 77027; or to the charity of one’s choice.