Rev. Carl Leroy Rowell Jr.

Rev. Carl Leroy Rowell Jr., 85, died Monday, April 6, 2020, at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sulphur, Louisiana. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Dolores Del (Schexnaider) Rowell of Sulphur La., a daughter Kathy S. Richard of Lake Charles, La, three sons Michael Rowell of Westlake La., Victor Rowell of Sulphur, La. and Patrick Rowell of Dayton OH. In life, he celebrated the births of 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his sister, Lois (Bill) (Rowell) James, his brother, George Gail Rowell, a daughter, Valary Dane (Rowell) Johnson, sons-in-law Paul Richard and Randy Johnson, and grandsons, Cory Wayne Broussard and Michael Rowell Junior.

He was born February 25, 1935, in Lake Village Arkansas just as America was emerging from the great depression and on the eve of a great global war. As WWII raged, his family migrated to Leesville La. with the Work Projects Administration (WPA) program, eventually settling in Westlake La. After graduating from Westlake High School in 1954, he served in the US Navy as an Electricians Mate 3rd Class aboard the rescue and salvage ship USS Opportune (ARS-41) from 1954 to 1956 (Naval reserves from 1956 – 1960). In August 1955 while in route to Bermuda, the ship rode out Hurricane Carol. The ship and crew were so battered they returned to Norfolk, VA for refitting. With an honourable discharge and electrician’s certificate in hand, he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores Del Schexnaider in 1958. He supported his growing family as an electrician and Operator at Cities Service Company in Westlake La. until 1970 when answering a call of God on his life, he became an ordained minister with United Pentecostal Church International (UPCi). For the next 50 years, he served the Louisiana District, UPCi with distinction as a pastor. Rev. Rowell planted First Pentecostal Church in Welsh La. (1971-1973) and served as Senior Pastor at the United Pentecostal Churches in Church Point La. (1974-1975) and Vinton La. (1976 – 2014). He was honoured at his retirement in 2014 by friends, peers and saints whom he had lead and influenced for 38 years.

He is remembered most for his jolly nature, and inability to be discouraged or defeated. As a pastor, he had an undeterred sense of purpose and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ and the work of the ministry. As a father, he was a mentor; longsuffering, loving and wise. As a husband, he was a fortress, provider, and joyous companion. His passion for life and his service to God, his country and others made him a man among men. May his best qualities, integrity, faith, patience, and mercy, be the inheritance of his children. All who knew him could but love and respect him.

A graveside service in celebration of his life will be held at 2:00, April 9, 2020, at Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake La. We regret that, due to government precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the service will be limited to immediate family and select close friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Rowell family.