Melvin Dee Rowland

Dee was born on October 24, 1938, in Del Rio, Texas, and grew up in Uvalde, the son of Melvin D. Rowland and Ruth Stanley Rowland. He graduated from Uvalde High School, where he served as class president and participated in many activities that reflected his leadership and enthusiasm for life. He went on to attend Southwestern University in Georgetown before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in History. A proud Longhorn for life, he carried his Texas spirit everywhere he went.

He began his career in Uvalde working in his parents department store, Rowland's. This led to an opportunity to work for the Resistol Hat Company where he would dedicate more than four decades of his life. Known for his professionalism, loyalty, and easy charm, he built lifelong relationships across his Central and South Texas sales territory. His remarkable work ethic and commitment to excellence earned him numerous honors, including the Million Dollar Club in 1980, Best All Around Salesman in 1984, the Two Million Dollar Club in 1989, and Runner-Up for Top Sales Producer in 1993 with three million dollars in sales. To his customers and colleagues, he was more than a salesman — he was a trusted partner, a gentleman, and a friend.

Dee was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took tremendous pride in his family. He is survived by his children, Melanie Rowland Krumrey and husband Robert of Austin; Melissa Rowland Daniels and husband Patrick of Comfort; Stuart Rowland and wife Rachel of Boerne; and Melinda Rowland Utoft of San Antonio.

He was “Grandad” to 10 grandchildren: Kory Krumrey and wife Rebecca, Maisie Etheredge Carson and husband Christopher, Cooper Krumrey, Jonah Etheredge, Madeline Etheredge, Kayla Krumrey, Uriah Rowland, Simon Rowland, Taya Rowland, and Mila Utoft. He was also blessed with one great-grandson, Jackson Krumrey. Each of them was a source of great joy and pride.

He was a faithful Methodist and a man of quiet strength and deep integrity. He loved Texas, pecan pie, history, shopping for snazzy new clothes, and the University of Texas Longhorns. A gentleman through and through, he was known for his impeccable style, his kindness, sense of duty, and his superior dancing skills. Though he came from a generation that did not always speak their hearts openly, his love was evident in his steady presence, generosity, and commitment to family.

Dee was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Dennis Rowland and sister-in-law, Sarah Coyner Rowland.

He will be remembered for his steadfastness, reliability, and unwavering devotion — to his work, his faith, and most of all, his family. His children and grandchildren hope to carry forward his example of loyalty, grace, and virtue.

As George Strait once sang,

“Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say.

This is where the cowboy rides away.”

Family and friends are invited to remember Dee at a graveside ceremony at Hillcrest Cemetery in Uvalde, Texas at 11am on Thursday, October 30. A memorial service will also be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Coker Methodist Church, 231 East North Loop Road, San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Coker Methodist Church in memory of Dee.